Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation (Jan 2013)

Cytomegalovirus ischemic colitis and transverse myelitis in a renal transplant recipient

  • Imen Gorsane,
  • Sabra Aloui,
  • Ahmed Letaif,
  • Rim Hadhri,
  • Faouzi Haouala,
  • Ameur Frih,
  • Naceur Ben Dhia,
  • Mezri Elmay,
  • Habib Skhiri

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/1319-2442.109588
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 24, no. 2
pp. 309 – 314

Abstract

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We report a rare case of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-associated ischemic colitis and transverse myelitis (TM) occurring precociously after renal transplantation. A 57-year-old male was transplanted with a cadaveric kidney on 5 June 2009. The patient was CMV seropositive and the donor was seronegative. Transplantation was followed shortly by TM, which resulted in paraplegia. The results of magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord showed abnormalities. Twenty days after transplantation, he developed abdominal pain with malena and was diagnosed as having CMV-associated ischemic colitis confirmed by colonoscopy and biopsy. Serological data and identification of the viral genome by polymerase chain reaction were confirmatory for CMV. Treatment consisted of intravenous ganciclovir, followed by polyvalent immunoglobulin. The outcome was favorable. Symptomatic CMV infection is relatively common among the renal transplant population. Early colonoscopy is beneficial for making a quick diagnosis and therefore helps to institute a prompt management of CMV colitis. Myelitis is less common in transplant recipients and diagnosis, therefore, was more difficult.