Cytomegalovirus infection presenting as an apple-core lesion of the colon.

Publication/Presentation Date

11-1-1997

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus infection is highly prevalent among heart transplant recipients. Symptomatic cytomegalovirus infection can occur in all parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Colonic lesions are usually manifest as hemorrhagic colitis. This is a case of cytomegalovirus colitis presenting as a colonic stricture mimicking a colonic carcinoma. The initial presentation was that of both cellular and humoral rejection with fever, abdominal pain, and microcytic anemia with heme-positive stools. An abdominal computed tomogram was pertinent for a suspicion of carcinoma in the midtransverse colon. After resolution of the rejection episode, colonoscopy was performed, the result of which was abnormal for a short, high-grade stricture in the midtransverse colon. The patient underwent a right hemicolectomy for the suspected tumor. The pathologic specimen showed cytomegalovirus inclusion bodies with acute suppurative ulceration. The early diagnosis and treatment of cytomegalovirus colitis may lead to avoidance of more serious complications such as stricture formation.

Volume

16

Issue

11

First Page

1171

Last Page

1175

ISSN

1053-2498

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

9402518

Department(s)

Department of Medicine

Document Type

Article

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