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Human herpesvirus 8 associated multicentric Castleman disease is a subtype of Castleman disease , a group of rare lymphoproliferative disorders characterized by lymph node enlargement, characteristic features on microscopic analysis of enlarged lymph node tissue, and a range of symptoms and clinical findings.
People with human herpesvirus 8 associated multicentric Castelman disease have enlarged lymph nodes in multiple regions and often have flu-like symptoms, abnormal findings on blood tests, and dysfunction of vital organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and bone marrow.
HHV-8-associated MCD is known to be caused by uncontrolled infection with the human herpesvirus 8 virus and is most frequently diagnosed in patients with human immunodeficiency virus. HHV-8-associated MCD is treated with a variety of medications, including immunosuppressants, chemotherapy, and antivirals.
Castleman disease is named after Dr. Benjamin Castleman, who first described the disease in 1956. The Castleman Disease Collaborative Network is the largest organization focused on the disease and is involved in research, awareness, and patient support.