Cytomegalovirus as an Insidious Pathogen Causing Duodenitis

Acta Med Okayama. 2015;69(5):319-23. doi: 10.18926/AMO/53679.

Abstract

A 60-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis treated with methotrexate for a decade complained of slight epigastric discomfort. A positive cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigenemia test indicated the probability of CMV-related gastrointestinal infection, for which esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed. Endoscopic findings showed a non-specific duodenal mucosal lesion;however, pathological investigation revealed evidence of CMV duodenitis. There is scarce information on the clinical and pathological features of CMV-related duodenitis, likely due to its low prevalence. CMV infection in the upper gastrointestinal tract should be considered as a differential diagnosis in high-risk individuals, particularly those with symptoms relating to the digestive system. Biopsy examinations are preferable for the definitive diagnosis of CMV gastrointestinal infection, even without specific endoscopic features.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / complications*
  • Duodenitis / etiology*
  • Duodenitis / pathology
  • Duodenum / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged