Korean J Gastrointest Endosc.  2011 Jul;43(1):21-24.

CMV Gastric Ulcers Healed by Supportive Therapy

• Lee HD
• Kim NH
• Lee KJ
• Lee H
• Jun JH
• Bae WK
• Kim KA
• Lee JS

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a potentially important pathogen in an immunocompromised host. CMV infection usually occurs in patients with severe immune deficiency, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, organ transplantation, malignant disease, or immunosuppressive therapy. CMV can cause ulcerations anywhere in the GI tract ranging from the esophagus to the rectum, but the colon is the most susceptible organ in the GI tract. CMV infection rarely occurs but generally causes an asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic acute illness in immunocompetent patients. Some patients with gastrointestinal CMV disease do not require antiviral treatment such as ganciclovir and frequently recover with supportive therapy. Although in immunocompetent patients, antiviral therapy may be needed based on age, chronic illness, or treatment response. We experienced a case of CMV-induced multiple gastric ulcers with severe epigastric pain in an immunocompetent patient who fully recovered with supportive therapy including a proton pump inhibitor.

Keyword

Cytomegalovirus; Gastric ulcer; Immunocompetent; Supportive therapy

MeSH Terms

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Chronic Disease
Colon
Cytomegalovirus
Esophagus
Ganciclovir
Gastrointestinal Tract
Humans
Immunocompromised Host
Organ Transplantation
Proton Pumps
Rectum
Stomach Ulcer
Transplants
Ulcer
Ganciclovir
Proton Pumps