Cytomegalovirus-associated pseudotumor simulating gastric malignancy in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: a case report with review of literature

Abstract

We present a case of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-induced pseudotumor of the gastric antrum. Although affliction of the entire gastrointestinal tract with CMV has been described, localization to the stomach and especially the gastric antrum is rare. Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are recognized causes of bowel thickening and obstruction in patients with AIDS, but CMV is an extremely rare cause, with only four cases of CMV-induced pseudotumor reported in the English literature. As the duration of opportunistic infections and length of survival of patients with AIDS increase, CMV pseudotumors are not likely to remain unique. This mass lesion should be included in the differential diagnosis of AIDS patients, along with Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.