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

• Keywords: Cytomegalovirus, Gastric ulcer, Immunocompetent, Supportive therapy