Multiple ulcers of the ileum due to Cytomegalovirus infection in a patient who showed no evidence of an immunocompromised state

J Gastroenterol. 1997 Aug;32(4):548-52. doi: 10.1007/BF02934098.

Abstract

68-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain and vomiting. After initial conservative therapy, laparotomy showed multiple ulcers of the ileum, one of which had perforated and adhered to the uterus. The affected segment of the ileum was resected. Numerous cytomegalic cells, corresponding to endothelia and macrophages, with intranuclear inclusion bodies, were found in microscopic sections of the ulcerated lesions. These findings were consistent with cytomegalic vasculitis and enteritis. Cytomegalovirus infections of the alimentary tract have been reported mainly in severely immunocompromised patients or those with predisposing disorders such as ulcerative colitis; their prognosis is usually poor. In our patient, there was no obvious immunocompromised state or other gastrointestinal disorders. The postoperative course has been uneventful for 2 years after surgery. The prognosis of Cytomegalovirus-associated lesions in the alimentary tract may be quite good in the immunocompetent patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections* / diagnosis
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections* / pathology
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections* / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ileal Diseases / pathology
  • Ileal Diseases / surgery
  • Ileal Diseases / virology*
  • Immunocompetence
  • Ulcer / surgery
  • Ulcer / virology*