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Cytomegalovirus enterocolitis in an immunocompetent individual

Ichiko Sakamoto1, Takayuki Shirai, Tatsuhiro Kamide

  • 1Gastroenterology 2, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan. ichikos@aol.com

Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|March 2, 2002
PubMed

Insights

This study details a rare case of cytomegalovirus (CMV) enterocolitis in an immunocompetent woman. The patient experienced gastrointestinal symptoms that resolved spontaneously, highlighting CMV

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) enterocolitis is typically observed in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Defining "immunocompetent" in previous CMV enterocolitis reports has lacked standardization.

Observation:

  • A 57-year-old immunocompetent woman presented with hematochezia, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
  • Colonoscopy revealed aphthoid lesions and friable mucosa throughout the colon and terminal ileum.
  • Biopsy confirmed cytomegalovirus inclusion bodies, establishing the diagnosis of CMV enterocolitis.

Findings:

  • The patient's symptoms and endoscopic findings significantly improved without specific antiviral therapy.
  • This case represents the ninth documented instance of CMV enterocolitis in an immunocompetent individual globally.
  • A clear definition of "immunocompetent individual" was established for this case.

Implications:

  • CMV enterocolitis can occur in individuals without apparent immune compromise.
  • Spontaneous resolution of CMV enterocolitis in immunocompetent hosts is possible.
  • This case expands the understanding of CMV's potential impact on the gastrointestinal tract in diverse patient populations.

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