Life-threatening rectal bleeding due to cytomegalovirus colitis in a haemodialysis patient

TY - JOUR

T1 - Life-threatening rectal bleeding due to cytomegalovirus colitis in a haemodialysis patient

AU - Rankin, Alexandra

AU - Cuthill, Kirsty

AU - Subesinghe, Manil

AU - Goldsmith, David

PY - 2009/6

Y1 - 2009/6

N2 - Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is a well-recognized complication in immunocompromised patients such as renal transplant recipients, occurring due to reactivation of latent infection or primary infection. It is, however, uncommon in immunocompetent patients. We report a haemodialysis patient who presented with pyrexia and life-threatening rectal bleeding due to CMV colitis, who had none of the classical risk factors for CMV disease, although was at risk. We review the literature surrounding CMV colitis in immunocompetent patients. This case highlights the importance of considering unusual causes for the common presentation of rectal bleeding in vulnerable patient populations.

AB - Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is a well-recognized complication in immunocompromised patients such as renal transplant recipients, occurring due to reactivation of latent infection or primary infection. It is, however, uncommon in immunocompetent patients. We report a haemodialysis patient who presented with pyrexia and life-threatening rectal bleeding due to CMV colitis, who had none of the classical risk factors for CMV disease, although was at risk. We review the literature surrounding CMV colitis in immunocompetent patients. This case highlights the importance of considering unusual causes for the common presentation of rectal bleeding in vulnerable patient populations.

KW - Journal Article

U2 - 10.1093/ndtplus/sfp015

DO - 10.1093/ndtplus/sfp015

M3 - Article

C2 - 25984000

SN - 1753-0784

VL - 2

SP - 239

EP - 241

JO - Practice Plus

JF - Practice Plus

IS - 3

ER -