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Cytomegalovirus peritonitis after kidney transplantation diagnosed through histopathological examination

Kiyohiko Hotta1, Yuichiro Fukasawa2, Yoshiki Wada1

  • 1Department of Kidney Transplant Surgery, Sapporo City General Hospital, Sapporo, Japan.

Insights

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) peritonitis is a rare complication in organ transplant recipients. This case report details its diagnosis in a kidney recipient through histopathology, highlighting a novel diagnostic approach for this uncommon condition.

Area of Science:

  • Transplant medicine
  • Infectious diseases
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are common in organ transplant recipients, manifesting as various conditions like pneumonitis, hepatitis, and enterocolitis.
  • CMV peritonitis is an exceptionally rare presentation of CMV infection post-transplantation.
  • Diagnosis of CMV peritonitis is challenging due to the absence of specific clinical indicators.

Observation:

  • A 35-year-old female kidney transplant recipient presented with abdominal pain and urinary retention.
  • These symptoms were attributed to CMV peritonitis, a rare complication.
  • The diagnosis was confirmed via histopathological examination of peritoneal tissue.

Findings:

  • This case represents the first reported instance of CMV peritonitis following organ transplantation diagnosed through histopathological examination.
  • Histopathology proved crucial in identifying CMV peritonitis when clinical signs were ambiguous.
  • The study underscores the utility of histopathology in diagnosing rare post-transplant infections.

Implications:

  • This case expands the understanding of CMV manifestations in immunosuppressed patients.
  • It highlights the importance of considering CMV peritonitis in transplant recipients with unexplained abdominal symptoms.
  • Histopathological examination should be considered a key diagnostic tool for rare CMV presentations in this population.

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