A Non-classical Presentation of Parvovirus B19 in a Known Sickle Cell Patient

Abstract

Parvovirus B19 is a well-studied complication in sickle cell patients. The classic presentation is a patient with a lacey, reticular type rash, small joint pain, signs of infection, and a low reticulocyte count. It is possible however, for a patient without the classic rash to have parvovirus infection, and a reticulocyte count should be ordered, even if clinical suspicion is low. Here, we present a case of a patient with known Sickle cell disease who presented with an unusual type of arthralgia and no rash. It is important to take a thorough history and consider Parvovirus infection in any Sickle cell patient who presents with signs of infection.