[Cytomegalovirus disease in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopic findings]

Cytomegalovirus disease is seen mainly in immunocompromised patients. While gastrointestinal symptoms are difficult to interpret, the typical finding at endoscopy of the upper alimentary tract is ulcers. Diagnosis of cytomegalovirus disease is based on typical histological findings in biopsy specimens. Antiviral treatment should be started when cytomegalovirus disease is detected in transplant patients. If it is decided to treat patients suffering from AIDS, lifelong maintenance treatment is required. Early diagnosis by means of endoscopy and biopsies is very important, and will decide the outcome of instituted treatment.