Haemophilus influenzae pneumonia and immunodeficiency in association with thymoma--a presentation of Good's syndrome.

INTRODUCTION

Good's Syndrome is a rare cause of immunodeficiency associated with thymoma. Patients with this syndrome are prone to infections with encapsulated microorganisms. The diagnosis may be delayed for a considerable time period even after the thymectomy.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe the case of a 70-year-old woman with a background of thymectomy who presented with pneumonia and gram negative sepsis. Haemophilus influenzae was found in blood cultures. Moreover, there was evidence of impaired B and T cell immunity consistent with Good's Syndrome. She was commenced on immunoglobulin replacement following treatment of sepsis and remains well 18 months after the initial presentation.

CONCLUSION

This case illustrates the importance of considering Good's Syndrome in the context of pneumonia and immunodeficiency associated with encapsulated organisms such as Haemophilus influenzae. This clinical entity is associated with a significant mortality and should be considered as a cause of immunodeficiency even years after thymectomy.