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Cytomegalovirus enterocolitis in an immunocompetent individual
Ichiko Sakamoto1, Takayuki Shirai, Tatsuhiro Kamide
1Gastroenterology 2, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan. ichikos@aol.com
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|March 2, 2002
Summary
This study details a rare case of cytomegalovirus (CMV) enterocolitis in an immunocompetent woman. The patient experienced gastrointestinal symptoms that resolved spontaneously, highlighting CMV
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) enterocolitis is typically observed in immunocompromised individuals.
- Defining "immunocompetent" in previous CMV enterocolitis reports has lacked standardization.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old immunocompetent woman presented with hematochezia, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Colonoscopy revealed aphthoid lesions and friable mucosa throughout the colon and terminal ileum.
- Biopsy confirmed cytomegalovirus inclusion bodies, establishing the diagnosis of CMV enterocolitis.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms and endoscopic findings significantly improved without specific antiviral therapy.
- This case represents the ninth documented instance of CMV enterocolitis in an immunocompetent individual globally.
- A clear definition of "immunocompetent individual" was established for this case.
Implications:
- CMV enterocolitis can occur in individuals without apparent immune compromise.
- Spontaneous resolution of CMV enterocolitis in immunocompetent hosts is possible.
- This case expands the understanding of CMV's potential impact on the gastrointestinal tract in diverse patient populations.
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