Cytomegalovirus cholangitis and pancreatitis in an immunocompetent patient

J Gastroenterol. 2005 Oct;40(10):987-92. doi: 10.1007/s00535-005-1683-z.

Abstract

Cholangitis and pancreatitis associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in an immunocompetent patient is reported. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography performed on a 55-year-old man for evaluation of the cause of jaundice and liver dysfunction revealed a distal focal irregular narrowing of the common bile duct. Microscopic findings of the resected specimen showed chronic cholangitis and CMV pancreatitis. Immunohistochemistry disclosed that epithelial cells in the inflamed bile duct were positive for CMV antigen, which was compatible with CMV cholangitis. Inflammation of the biliary tract or pancreas by CMV has been commonly reported as a complication in immunocompromised patients. Our report appears to be a rare case, but suggests that CMV cholangitis or pancreatitis should be considered in the differential diagnoses of common bile duct stenosis or pancreatitis even in immunocompetent individuals.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cholangitis / complications*
  • Cholangitis / diagnosis
  • Cholangitis / virology*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreatitis / complications*
  • Pancreatitis / diagnosis
  • Pancreatitis / virology*