Hemobilia caused by cytomegalovirus cholangiopathy

Am J Gastroenterol. 2005 Nov;100(11):2592-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2005.00275.x.

Abstract

A 57-yr-old male on long-term steroid therapy presented with hematemesis, fever, and a retroperitoneal fluid collection. Hemobilia was diagnosed, but the cause was not identified by ERCP, computed tomography, or angiography. Peroral cholangioscopy revealed multiple biliary ulcers. Cholangioscopic biopsies diagnosed cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Intravenous ganciclovir therapy was initiated, and was associated with cessation of bleeding. Biliary CMV disease is rare in HIV-negative persons, but should be considered in a patient with unexplained hemobilia. Cholangioscopy may be useful for diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bile Duct Diseases / virology*
  • Biopsy
  • Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde
  • Common Bile Duct Diseases / virology*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / virology*
  • Endoscopy, Digestive System / methods
  • Ganciclovir / therapeutic use
  • Hemobilia / etiology*
  • Hepatic Duct, Common / virology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ulcer / virology

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Ganciclovir