Cytomegalovirus Infection in Patients Who Required Colectomy for Toxic Megacolon or Severe Steroid-Refractory Ulcerative Colitis

摘要

Predisposing factors for urgent colectomy in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are not completely known, but it seems that cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection may have a potential pathogenic role. Maher et al. recently published in this journal that CMV infection is associated with steroid-refractoriness; however, the implication of CMV infection remains controversial and its presence is not always investigated. Toxic megacolon and steroid-refractoriness in patients with UC are indications for surgical treatment, but it is unclear if CMV infection is present in both clinical presentations. The aim of medical treatment in severely active UC patients includes avoiding surgery; therefore, investigating the presence of CMV can lead to indicate antiviral treatment along with immunosuppressive therapy and probably avoid colectomy.