Massive esophageal bleeding in achalasia complicated by cytomegalovirus esophagitis

A 69-year-old man with achalasia who had received cytoxan and prednisone over a 6-week period for presumed Wegener's granulomatosis presented with massive esophageal bleeding. He did not respond to aggressive medical management, and an emergent esophagectomy was performed. Histologic examination revealed extensive cytomegalovirus esophagitis. He had a long but progressive hospital course and was discharged 1 month after admission. This case illustrates that cytomegalovirus esophagitis may cause massive hemorrhage that necessitates surgical intervention.