Arizona boy diagnosed with idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease after experiencing severe pain

An 11-year-old boy from Tucson, Arizona, named Giovanni Cruz, has been diagnosed with idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease after experiencing severe back and chest pains. Giovanni was taken to Banner Diamond Children’s Medical Center in June after his condition worsened. His mother, Patricia Cruz, reported that he had been active, playing baseball, when he suddenly began to feel pain and sweat profusely. After being transferred to Tucson Medical Center and undergoing various tests, he was diagnosed with the rare disease, which affects approximately three individuals per million in the U.S. and causes lymph nodes to enlarge throughout the body. Patricia described how Giovanni's condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to vomiting and extreme fatigue. After an initial week-long stay at Tucson Medical Center without a diagnosis, he was later transferred to Banner, where specialists confirmed the diagnosis. Giovanni has undergone multiple surgeries, including three biopsies and the removal of lymph nodes, and has experienced complications such as fluid buildup around his abdomen, lungs, and heart, requiring supplemental oxygen. He is currently receiving IL-6-directed therapy, high-dose IV steroids, and dialysis, with doctors estimating that treatment will last six to eight weeks. The cause of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease remains unknown, and it can affect various organs. Giovanni's family has set up a GoFundMe to assist with medical expenses, as Patricia has been unable to work during her son's hospitalization. Prior to his illness, Giovanni was looking forward to starting sixth grade and was an avid baseball player.