Life-threatening hemorrhage due to cytomegalovirus infection of the gastrointestinal tract.
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.
Safioleas
M
M
2nd Department of Propedeutic Surgery, University of Athens, School of Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Greece.
Kaperonis
E A
EA
Stamatakos
M K
MK
Safioleas
C
C
Manti
C
C
Lygidakis
N J
NJ
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000378:metabolism*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005743:Gastrectomy / Q000379:methods; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000737:chemistry; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007074:Immunoglobulin G