Giant cell pneumonia due to respiratory syncytial virus. Occurrence in severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome.

A 6-month-old male infant with a severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome was hospitalized for progressive respiratory distress. Examination during hospitalization disclosed widespread pulmonary infiltrates that did not respond to intensive therapy. The patient died eight days after admission. Autopsy disclosed Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and widespread giant cell pneumonia. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was grown from a lung specimen obtained at autopsy. Specific immunofluorescent staining of the cytoplasm of alveolar lining cells with RSV antiserum was demonstrated. The electron microscopic appearance of giant cells was compatible with RSV infection. The RSV should be added to the list of viruses causing giant cell pneumonia.