Cytomegalovirus Disease with Atypical Presentation in a Renal Transplant Patient: Case Report

Abstract

Infection is a major problem after kidney transplantation. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common viral infection affecting transplant patients. This report presents a rare clinical manifestation of CMV in the form of a hemorrhoid in a 58-year-old woman. One week after undergoing an external hemorrhoidectomy, the patient presented with fever, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Pathological analysis showed CMV in the hemorrhoidal tissue, which was confirmed via a positive PP65 antigenemia assay. Therapy with ganciclovir (250 mg IV b.i.d. for 2 weeks) was started. The patient’s response to treatment was good, and she has been doing well since that time. Her plasma creatinine level 2 years later was 79.2 µmol/L (normal range, 53-106 µmol/L). Physicians must always be aware of the hazards of CMV in immunocompromised patients with typical, and even with atypical, presentations. Taking into consideration the statement, “prophylaxis precedes treatment,” nephrologists must try to detect CMV in their patients (especially during the first 6 months after transplantation) prior to the appearance of any clinical manifestations. If CMV is detected, pre-emptive therapy with ganciclovir should be started.