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An Active Cytomegalovirus Infection and Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation Complicated by Cytomegalovirus Meningitis and Virus-Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis during Methotrexate and Upadacitinib Therapy in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Methotrexate (MTX) and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are effective treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, they may increase the risk of opportunistic infections. We herein report a case of a patient with RA receiving MTX and upadacitinib who developed an active cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation, complicated by CMV meningitis and virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). This case highlights that clinicians should consider not only herpes zoster, but also infection or reactivation involving non-VZV herpesviruses, including CMV and EBV, particularly in patients receiving JAK inhibitors in combination with other immunosuppressive agents.

Source: Internal Medicine

DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.8164-26

Authors: Kazuki Tomiyama, Soma Fukami, Toshitaka Yukishima, Haruka Yonezawa, Shin-ichiro Ohmura

Institution: Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Cytomegalovirus and herpesvirus research

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7221001356

FWCI: 4.613

Cites:

Cited by: 1

Related to: 10