Acute Cytomegalovirus Colitis Mimicking Exacerbation of Ulcerative Colitis:Precipitating or Coincidental?

Cytomegalovirus colitis is an uncommon cause of diarrhea in older adults,despite the high seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus in the general population:40%-70% of adults in higher socioeconomic groups,and up to 90% of adults in lower socioeconomic groups. The majority of primary cytomegalovirus infections in immunocompetent adults are asymptomatic or associated with mild mononucleosis-like syndrome. Cytomegalovirus produces characteristic cytopathic effects,consisting of a large 25- to 35-μm cell containing a basophilic intranuclear inclusion,which is sometimes surrounded by a clear halo. Immunohistochemistry of the biopsied tissue using monoclonal antibodies and in situ DNA hybridization enhances the sensitivity of the histologic analysis.
The American Journal of Medicine

Be Sociable,Share!

•