CMV colitis masquerading as colon cancer--an unusual presentation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

We present a case-report of a patient with a typical history and a barium enema study diagnostic of right-sided colonic cancer. Laparotomy and right hemicolectomy was carried out. Histological examination revealed Cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis and the patient was subsequently tested positive for Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and up to 10% of all AIDS patients have CMV colitis. The diagnostic criteria for CMV colitis is reviewed. AIDS is likely to become more common and we stress the awareness of this condition as well as the need for preoperative colonoscopy and histological diagnosis in patients with radiological diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma.