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Acute appendicitis due to Cytomegalovirus in an apparently immunocompetent patient: a case report

Maria Bruna Pasticci1, Simona Corsi, Francesca Spigarelli

  • 1Infectious Disease, Department Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06100 Perugia, Italy. mariabruna.pasticci@unipg.it.

Journal of Medical Case Reports
|March 12, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) appendicitis is a rare complication, particularly in immunocompetent individuals. This case highlights CMV as a potential cause of acute appendicitis in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection typically causes asymptomatic or mononucleosis-like illness in healthy individuals.
  • In immunocompromised patients, CMV can lead to severe organ disease and mortality.
  • Gastrointestinal CMV infections often present as ulcerative lesions, with appendicitis being a rare manifestation, primarily seen in immunocompromised individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of acute appendicitis caused by Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in an apparently immunocompetent patient.
  • To discuss the potential role of CMV in appendicitis among patients with underlying inflammatory bowel disease.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 24-year-old Caucasian male with primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis.
  • Diagnosis of CMV appendicitis based on clinical presentation, serology, microbiology, and histology.
  • Treatment involved surgical intervention and anti-CMV therapy.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with acute appendicitis secondary to primary Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.
  • Diagnosis was confirmed through a combination of clinical, serological, microbiological, and histological evidence.
  • The patient received surgical treatment and anti-CMV medication.

Conclusions:

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) should be considered an etiological agent for acute appendicitis in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis.
  • The frequency of CMV appendicitis in apparently immunocompetent individuals remains unclear.
  • Further research is needed to determine the efficacy of anti-CMV treatment in non-immunocompromised patients.

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