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Updated: May 11, 2026
08:40
Chronic Salmonella Infection Induced Intestinal Fibrosis
Published on: September 22, 2019
[Common variable immunodeficiency: digestive involvement of a systemic disease]
Virginia López1, Ximena Rodríguez, Carolina Olano
1Clínica de Gastroenterología Prof Dr Henry Cohen, Facultad de Medicina, Montevideo, Uruguay. vilop@adinet.com.uy
Acta Gastroenterologica Latinoamericana
|May 9, 2013
Summary
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) causes recurrent infections and gastrointestinal issues. This case highlights CVID presenting with chronic diarrhea and malabsorption, successfully treated with immunoglobulin therapy and antiparasitic medication.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary antibody deficiency disorder.
- CVID commonly presents with recurrent respiratory infections and gastrointestinal manifestations, including diarrhea, malabsorption, and weight loss.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms in CVID patients can be due to infections, inflammation, or neoplastic changes.
Observation:
- A 34-year-old woman experienced chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and a history of recurrent respiratory infections.
- Laboratory tests revealed hypoproteinemia and low IgG, IgA, and IgM levels.
- Endoscopic evaluations showed a nodular duodenum and polypoid formations throughout the small bowel, with histology confirming chronic duodenitis and Giardia lamblia infection.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID).
- Treatment involved monthly intravenous immunoglobulin infusions and metronidazole for Giardia lamblia infection.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering CVID in patients with unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms and recurrent infections.
- Successful treatment with immunoglobulin replacement and targeted antimicrobial therapy led to significant clinical and laboratory improvement.
- Early diagnosis and management of CVID can prevent severe complications like malabsorption and weight loss.
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