Case of cytomegalovirus colitis during standard chemotherapy for testicular cancer

CMV infection is uncommon in our practice except kidney transplantation. We report a case of cytomegalovirus enterocolitis during standard chemotherapy for testicular cancer. A 31-year-old male presented to his local urologist in January, 2006 with left scrotal swelling. He was diagnosed as left testicular tumor and underwent radical orchiectomy. Pathological examination showed Mixed germ cell tumor (seminoma, yolk sac, embryonal). Four months later, follow-up CT scan revealed multiple metastasis in lung and para aortic lymph nodes. The patient was referred to our institution for further consultation. During 3rd cycle of standard BEP chemotherapy, laboratory data showed severe bone marrow suppression and he subsequently presented prolonged spike fever with watery diarrhea. Despite intensive diagnostic examination including colon fiberscopy, those symptoms remained undiagnosed. One month later, the patient recovered with conservative treatment and serological data showed slightly elevated anti-CMV Ig-M, Ig-G antibody. Immunohistological examination demonstrated CMV positive inclusion bodies in colorectal mucosa. Accordingly the patient's complication was finally diagnosed as CMV enterocolitis. Significant immunosuppression leading to severe colitis by CMV infection or reactivation can occur after standard chemotherapy. It is necessary to screen for CMV infection in patients with prolonged fever with diarrhea during chemotherapy.