CMV Appendicitis Crohn's Disease
In a special category of patients -- those who have inflammatory diseases such as CMV, appendicitis and Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis -- can suffer from gastrointestinal CMV infections. A small number of patients who have undergone colectomy for ulcerative colitis have been found to have symptomatic CMV infections in their remaining intestine.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is present worldwide, and infections are very common. In the third world, CMV infection occurs at or near the time of birth. In more developed countries, infection usually occurs during infancy, but can occur in childhood or adolescence.
CMV is transmitted in situations of close interpersonal contact. The virus has been isolated in nearly all organs and body fluids in the human body. By adulthood, up to 80% of the population have anti-CMV antibodies, which indicates prior infection.
CMV infection in people with healthy immune systems usually produces no symptoms. However, a flu-like syndrome can occur. In rare instances, more severe CMV infection, involving the GI tract, has been reported in people with normal immunity.
Patients with CMV colitis show symptoms such as fever, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal pain. When CMV colitis occurs in patients with normal immune systems, they typically have other serious medical problems, such as severe trauma, renal failure, or infection.
CMV, appendicitis and Crohn’s disease are all conditions of inflammation.
While mild cases may resolve without treatment, most require removal of the inflamed appendix, either by laparotomy or laparoscopy. Untreated, mortality is high, mainly due to peritonitis and shock. Reginald Fitz first described acute appendicitis in 1886, and it has been recognized as one of the most common causes of acute abdomen pain worldwide.
CMV Appendicitis and Crohn's Disease
How is appendicitis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of appendicitis begins with a thorough history and physical examination. Patients often have an elevated temperature, and there usually will be moderate to severe tenderness in the right lower abdomen when the doctor pushes there. If inflammation has spread to the peritoneum, there is frequently rebound tenderness. Rebound tenderness is pain that is worse when the doctor quickly releases his hand after gently pressing on the abdomen over the area of tenderness. Anyone with the symptoms or conditions that resemble CMV, appendicitis and Crohn’s disease should consult a qualified medical practitioner immediately. Previous Page