Cytomegalovirus Enterocolitis Mimicking Necrotizing Enterocolitis: Case Reports and Review of the Literature

A case of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) with pathologic evidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is presented. This preterm infant developed abdominal distention and tachycardia, and a clinical diagnosis of NEC was made. Acute bowel obstruction occurred 20 days later. Biopsy specimens of the ileum obtained during laparotomy showed extensive CMV inclusion bodies and positive immunoperoxidase staining for CMV. Urine culture and polymerase chain reaction from the blood were also positive for CMV. The patient was treated with ganciclovir and recovered. Thirty-two similar cases of CMV enterocolitis and intestinal obstruction in premature and full term babies are reviewed here.