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Cytomegalovirus Colitis Mimicking Ulcerative Colitis Flare in an Immunocompromised Patient: A Challenging Diagnosis

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This case report details a 40-year-old male patient with a background of ulcerative colitis (UC), who presented with persistent bloody diarrhea refractory to standard treatment. The clinical picture was initially suggestive of a UC flare-up, prompting the continued use of immunosuppressive therapy. However, histopathological evaluation ultimately revealed cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis, a condition that can mimic UC exacerbation but requires a distinct treatment approach. The patient's immunosuppressive therapy, essential for UC management, likely contributed to the reactivation of latent CMV infection, underscoring the complexity of managing such cases. This case underscores the critical importance of a multidisciplinary approach in differentiating between UC exacerbation and opportunistic infections such as CMV colitis, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.71099

Authors: Abdul Moiz Khan, Amna Ehtisham, Humais Habib Choudhary

Institution: Sahiwal Medical College

Language: English

Topic: Cytomegalovirus and herpesvirus research

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4403208446