Cytomegalovirus colitis--a severe complication after standard chemotherapy.
We report on a case of cytomegalovirus (CMV) enterocolitis occurring in a 65-year-old patient after a first course of standard chemotherapy for a small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). Colonic biopsies showed typical inclusion bodies, CMV IgM and IgG antibodies were found in the serum, and polymerase chain reaction for CMV-DNA was positive. Lymphopenia and diminished CD4 T-cell counts were observed. Diarrhoea ceased under ganciclovir treatment, the patient recovered, but died several months later of metastatic lung cancer. Significant immunosuppression leading to severe colitis by CMV infection or reactivation can occur after standard chemotherapy.
Matthes
Thomas
T
Division of Haematology, University Hospital Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. thomas.matthes@hcuge.ch
Kaiser
Laurent
L
Weber
Damien
D
Kurt
Anne-Marie
AM
Dietrich
Pierre-Yves
PY
D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D003092:Colitis / Q000209:etiology*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D005047:Etoposide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male
D005047:Etoposide; D002945:Cisplatin