Parvovirus B19 infection preceding the diagnosis of childhood myelodysplastic syndrome with low blasts: a case report - Report - MDSpire

Parvovirus B19 infection preceding the diagnosis of childhood myelodysplastic syndrome with low blasts: a case report

  • By

  • Leah Klingel

  • Stefanie Huber

  • Irith Baumann

  • Stephan Schwarz-Furlan

  • Almut Meyer-Bahlburg

  • Holger Lode

  • June 5, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: A Case Study of Parvovirus B19 Infection Prior to MDS Diagnosis

Overview

This report details a case of a 7-year-old girl with pancytopenia during acute Parvovirus B19 infection, leading to a diagnosis of childhood myelodysplastic syndrome with low blasts. The case emphasizes the diagnostic challenges posed by PVB19 infection in pediatric patients.

Background

Parvovirus B19 infection is known to cause transient bone marrow suppression and pure red cell aplasia, particularly in patients with underlying hematologic disorders. However, the occurrence of pancytopenia with hypocellular marrow and multilineage dysplasia is rare in children, complicating diagnosis and management. Understanding the relationship between PVB19 infection and myelodysplastic syndromes is crucial for appropriate clinical evaluation and treatment.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data presented in the source material.

Key Findings

  • The patient presented with pancytopenia during acute PVB19 infection, confirmed by high viral loads.
  • Initial bone marrow examination showed hypocellularity with multilineage dysplasia but did not meet criteria for myelodysplastic syndrome.
  • Comprehensive evaluation excluded autoimmune disease, primary immunodeficiency, and inherited bone marrow failure syndromes.
  • Serial follow-up revealed persistent hypocellularity and evolving dysplasia, leading to a diagnosis of childhood MDS with low blasts.
  • The patient underwent successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with stable full donor chimerism.
  • Post-transplant, the patient experienced transient increases in PVB19 DNA levels, highlighting the potential for persistent low-level PVB19 DNAemia.

Clinical Implications

This case illustrates the need for careful longitudinal assessment in pediatric patients presenting with pancytopenia and hypocellular marrow to distinguish between transient viral effects and evolving hematologic disorders. Awareness of the potential complications associated with PVB19 infection is essential for timely diagnosis and management.

Conclusion

The case underscores the complexity of diagnosing myelodysplastic syndromes in the context of Parvovirus B19 infection, emphasizing the importance of thorough evaluation and follow-up.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  2. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2024 -- Severe Cases of Myocarditis Linked to Parvovirus B19 in Pediatric Patients During the Post-COVID-19 Period: A Multicenter Observational Study
  3. Infection, 2022 -- Exploring the Factors and Risks Associated with Pre-Chemotherapy Viremia in Pediatric Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
  4. Haematologica -- Germline and somatic genetic landscape of pediatric myelodysplastic syndromes
  5. CDC, 2024 -- Notes from the Field: Parvovirus B19 Activity — United States, January 2024–May 2025
  6. Bone Marrow Transplantation — COVID-19 in Pediatric Patients Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Case Study of Two Individuals
  7. Germline and somatic genetic landscape of pediatric myelodysplastic syndromes | Haematologica
  8. Notes from the Field: Parvovirus B19 Activity — United States, January 2024–May 2025 | MMWR
  9. Reporting bone marrow biopsies for myelodysplastic neoplasms and acute myeloid leukaemia incorporating WHO 5th edition and ICC 2022 classification systems: ALLG/RCPA joint committee consensus recommendations - ScienceDirect

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