Cytomegalovirus esophagogastritis in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Symptomatic cytomegalovirus involvement of the gastrointestinal tract has become increasingly recognized in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This may take varying forms, often mimicking more well known entities. This is a report of a male intravenous drug abuser with documented acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, who developed dysphagia and evidence of distal esophagitis. Although this was initially thought to be related to reflux peptic disease, he subsequently was documented to have cytomegalovirus esophagitis and gastritis. His course was further complicated by small bowel perforation with cytomegalovirus found here as well. Cytomegalovirus infection, in general, and its increasingly recognized role in the morbidity of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is discussed.