Severe bleeding due to cytomegalovirus esophagitis in a patient with diabetes after interbody fusion surgery

Abstract

A 49-year-old man with diabetes taking clopidogrel and celecoxib underwent interbody fusion surgery for spinal spondylolysis. Ten days after the surgery, he vomited a large amount of fresh blood. A blood examination revealed hemodynamic failure. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed an adherent blood clot and multiple superficial ulcers in the esophagus. Endoscopic hemostasis was successfully achieved. Biopsy specimens from the esophageal ulcer showed positive immunohistochemical staining results for anti-CMV antibodies. The esophageal ulcer improved after the oral administration of ganciclovir. This case emphasizes that CMV esophagitis with bleeding can occur in a diabetic patient with a poor nutritional status due to relative immune dysfunction.