This type of MCD, known as HHV-8-associated MCD, is usually found in people with weakened or poor immune systems.1
However, in many patients, the cause of MCD is not known. This type of MCD is called idiopathic MCD, or iMCD. A subtype of iMCD known as TAFRO involves specific symptoms including abnormally low levels of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopaenia).1
Some patients may experience only mild symptoms at diagnosis, but others can experience more severe symptoms.2 iMCD can increase the risk of organ failure and malignancies.3 Data indicate that 65% of patients with iMCD are alive 5 years after diagnosis.1
iMCD is a chronic and progressive disease. Life-long treatment is required to reduce the risk of relapse.2
If you have iMCD you may have several of the following symptoms1,4:
Flu-like symptoms
(fever, night sweats, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting)
Fatigue
Enlarged liver/spleen
Enlarged lymph nodes
(for example around the neck, collarbone or armpit)
Unexpected
weight loss
Tingling or lack of
feeling (numbness) in
your hands and feet
Skin rash
Swelling
(for example around
your foot, ankle, or leg)
Talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms, especially if you have experienced them for several days. If you have difficulty breathing, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Early on in the diagnosis process, you and your doctor may think these symptoms are due to other diseases or illnesses, delaying the correct diagnosis.1,4
Your kidneys not
working properly
Your spleen and/or liver
are larger than normal
Lymph nodes that are larger than normal
You have a low number
of red blood cells
(which are responsible for
carrying oxygen around
your body)
References
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