Case report: acute portal vein thrombosis associated with acute cytomegalovirus infection in an immunocompetent adult

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is usually asymptomatic and self-limiting in healthy individuals, but significant complications can develop in immunosuppressed patients. Venous or arterial thromboembolic phenomena are uncommon yet very serious complications of CMV infection. Most published reports describe immunosuppressed patients, but thrombotic events in CMV-infected immunocompetent individuals may also occur. We describe the case of an immunocompetent young man with acute CMV hepatitis that was complicated with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). We also review the literature regarding the association between PVT and CMV in immunocompetent patients. Thromboembolism is an underestimated but significant complication of acute CMV infection. Several local and systemic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of acute PVT. This case emphasizes the central role of ultrasound in its diagnosis and the potentially serious complications that can occur in immunocompetent individuals with no other prothrombotic risk factors.