Postural epigastric pain: a unique symptom of primary cytomegalovirus gastritis?

Infection. 1998 Jul-Aug;26(4):234-5. doi: 10.1007/BF02962370.

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) gastritis has been reported in transplant patients. Symptoms are considered nonspecific, and gastroscopy with biopsy is usually performed to establish the diagnosis. Three patients are described here 1 to 3 months after solid organ transplantation, with primary CMV gastritis, confirmed by gastroscopy, histopathologic examination and cultures. The clinical presentation in all three cases was sharp epigastric pain that decreased in a supine position, increased while sitting and further increased when standing or walking. The epigastric pain completely resolved after treatment with ganciclovir. To the best of our knowledge, such postural epigastric pain has not been described as a specific symptom in any other clinical entity and may be a unique sign of primary CMV gastritis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / complications*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / drug therapy
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / pathology
  • Ganciclovir / therapeutic use
  • Gastritis / drug therapy
  • Gastritis / etiology
  • Gastritis / pathology
  • Gastritis / virology*
  • Heart Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain*
  • Posture

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Ganciclovir