Life-threatening hemorrhage due to cytomegalovirus infection of the gastrointestinal tract

Hepatogastroenterology. 2007 Sep;54(78):1655-7.

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus infection of the gastrointestinal tract of normal hosts is very rare. On the other hand, this is a common cause of morbidity in immunocompromised hosts. Herein we describe the case of a 52-year-old male who underwent a gastrectomy due to a severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Histological examination showed the characteristic cytomegalovirus inclusion bodies. The diagnosis was confirmed with immunohistochemistry and his immune system revealed no abnormality. We believe that, although it is very rare, cytomegalovirus infection should be kept in mind for non-immunocompromised patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding or multiple gastric ulcers.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cytomegalovirus / metabolism*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / complications
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Gastrectomy / methods
  • Gastric Mucosa / metabolism
  • Gastric Mucosa / pathology
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / diagnosis*
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / surgery
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / chemistry
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Immunoglobulin G