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Esophagatis and perinatal cytomegalovirus infection
M Weinstein1, E Ford-Jones, E Cutz
1The Hospital for Sick Childeren, Toronto, Canada.
Insights
A rare case of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in an infant was linked to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. This finding suggests perinatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection might be an underdiagnosed cause of such symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Virology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Perinatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a significant concern in neonates.
- Gastrointestinal manifestations of congenital CMV are typically associated with other systemic signs.
Observation:
- A 6-week-old infant presented with severe upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
- Endoscopic examination revealed significant findings in the esophagus and duodenum.
Findings:
- Biopsies confirmed the presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) inclusions.
- Immunohistochemistry detected CMV early antigen, confirming active viral infection.
- The infant showed no other clinical indicators of congenital CMV infection.
Implications:
- This case expands the known clinical spectrum of perinatal CMV infection.
- It highlights the potential for CMV to cause isolated gastrointestinal bleeding in infants.
- Increased awareness may lead to earlier diagnosis and management of this condition.
Abstract:
A 6-week-old male infant presented to hospital with a large upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Endoscopic biopsies of his esophagus and duodenum showed cytomegalovirus (CMV) inclusions and CMV early antigen was detected by immunohistochemistry. There were no other signs of congenital CMV infection. This case adds to the clinical spectrum of perinatal CMV infection and may be more common than is currently recognized.