CYTOMEGALOVIRUS‐ASSOCIATED GASTRIC ULCERS IN IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PATIENTS

Abstract

Gastric ulceration is a rare manifestation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in the immunocompromised host. Two cases with CMV‐associated gastric ulcers in immunocompromised patients are reported. Case 1 involved a 65‐year‐old male who underwent a cadaveric renal transplantation because of chronic renal failure. He was treated with immunosuppressive agents and steroids. After 3 months of the treatment, he developed CMV‐associated gastric ulcers with evidence of CMV inclusion bodies, CMV antigen and CMV–DNA in the gastric ulcers. After three courses of ganciclovir therapy for 5 months, endoscopic images revealed complete healing of the gastric ulcers. This case supports the use of ganciclovir, which can lead to complete healing of gastric ulcers caused by CMV. Case 2 involved a 69‐year‐old male with interstitial pneumonia who was admitted to hospital because of rapid progression of interstitial pneumonia. He was treated with repeated pulses of methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide. He developed CMV‐associated gastric ulcers with evidence of CMV inclusion bodies, CMV antigen and CMV–DNA in the gastric ulcers after 1 month of the treatment with high doses of methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide. Endoscopic images revealed multiple ulcers and erosions in the gastric antrum. Ganciclovir treatment was started, but he died of interstitial pneumonia. In this case, the ulcers were considered to be precipitated by CMV infection and the use of a high dose methylprednisolone. These cases emphasize the need for a careful histological examination for CMV in gastric ulcers in immunocompromised patients.