Gastrointestinal cytomegalovirus(CMV) infection in adults is observed as a part of a generalized or localized infection in patients who are immunocompromized. We report a case of CMV infection of the small intestine. The patient is a 34 year-old woman who has complained of palpable purpura in the lower extremities and buttocks, and arthralgia of large joints. The skin biopsy showed fibrinoid necrosis and neutrophils with leukocytoclasis, which findings are compatible with hypersensitivity angiitis. The patient received steroid and cyclophosphamide. During the follow-up period, generalized edema and bloody stool were detected. Resected specimen of small bowel has multiple aphthous ulcer. Microscopically, cytomegalic cells are observed along the endothelial cells and mesenchymal cells. In situ hybridization using DNA probes against CMV revealed positive staining in the cytomegalic inclusions in vascular endothelial and mesenchymal cells.
Adult ; Male ; Female ; Humans ; Biopsy