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Definition Return to top
CMV esophagitis is an infection of the esophagus caused by the cytomegalovirus (CMV).Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
CMV esophagitis usually affects immunosuppressed or immunodeficient people. It causes esophageal ulcers with very painful and difficult swallowing. Oral lesions, often in the form of mouth ulcers, may also be present.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
Most specialists suggest treatment with antiviral medications that are given through a vein (intravenous). Usually, ganciclovir or foscarnet are given. A newer oral medication called valganciclovir is being studied for potential use.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Esophagitis can usually be treated effectively. The outcome depends upon the underlying immunodeficiency that makes the person more susceptible to the infection.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if symptoms of esophagitis CMV develop, especially if you are immunosuppressed.
Prevention Return to top
Prevention of AIDS prevents opportunistic infections, such as those caused by the cytomegalovirus. (Opportunistic infections are infections by organisms that are not normally disease-producing, but take advantage of a situation, such as a damaged immune system.) AIDS patients who are effectively treated with antiretroviral therapy are much less likely to get CMV infection.
Update Date: 2/3/2004 Updated by: Kenneth Wener, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |