Opportunistic cytomegalovirus infection causing colonic perforation in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.
We present the case of a 58-year-old woman with a long-standing history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed a cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection with colonic perforation and subsequent purulent peritonitis whilst using combined immunosuppressive therapy. The pathogenesis and the clinical presentation of this unique case is discussed in detail. Opportunistic infection should always be kept in mind in SLE patients presenting with fever. Viral serology should be routinely performed in these patients, especially when immunosuppressive therapy is given, to avoid delay in instituting adequate management and therapy.
Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
C
C
Strasser
E M
EM
Wolf
P
P
Kornprat
J
J
Hermann
A
A
Münch
C
C
Langner
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003082:Colectomy; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology*; D003125:Colostomy; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology*; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000821:virology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents