Jpn. J. Infect. Dis., 62 (3), 236-238, 2009
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Short Communication
Cytomegalovirus-Associated Protein-Losing Enteropathy Resulting from Lymphangiectasia in an Immunocompetent Child
Takayuki Hoshina*, Koichi Kusuhara, Mitsumasa Saito, Takuya Hara, Shuji Matsuura1, Takashi Yao2, Tomonobu Aoki3, and Toshiro Hara
Department of Pediatrics, 1Department of Clinical Radiology, and 2Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, and 3Fukuoka Children's Hospital and Medical Centre for Infectious Diseases, Fukuoka 810-0063, Japan
(Received January 20, 2009. Accepted April 14, 2009)
*Corresponding author: Mailing address: Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan. Tel: +81-92-642-5421, Fax: +81-92-642-5435, E-mail: hoshina@pediatr.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
SUMMARY: An immunocompetent 8-year-old boy with cytomegalovirus (CMV)-associated transient protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is described. Colonoscopic examination revealed lymphoid hyperplasia of the terminal ileum. Histological examination of the biopsied specimens showed marked dilation of the lymphatic vessels. Primary CMV infection was demonstrated by serological test and polymerase chain reaction. The child had complete resolution of the disease without antiviral treatment. The present case suggests the etiologic role of CMV infection in PLE resulting from intestinal lymphangiectasia in childhood.