Cytomegalovirus ischemic colitis: a near-fatal presentation of HIV infection

Cytomegalovirus infection occurs in immunocompromised patients. We present a 45-year-old male with no prior medical history who presented to the hospital with weight loss and non-bloody diarrhea. During hospitalization, he developed severe hematochezia and hypotension. Colonoscopy revealed dusky, friable mucosa. The patient arrested and was resuscitated. Specimen from emergent colectomy showed ischemic changes secondary to cytomegalovirus infection of endothelium and small-vessel thrombosis. An HIV test was subsequently positive with CD4 count of 2 per microliter. The patient was treated with antiretroviral therapy and ganciclovir. He survived postoperative infections and was eventually discharged. In summary, this case of near-fatal cytomegalovirus colitis represents an unusual presentation of undiagnosed HIV infection. Cytomegalovirus infection should be included in the differential diagnosis of immunocompromised patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. Hematochezia may be from intestinal ulceration or severe ischemic damage. Antiretroviral therapy and ganciclovir or foscarnet should be initiated promptly. Surgery is indicated in life-threatening hemorrhage or obvious bowel necrosis.