Ogilvie's syndrome associated with acute cytomegaloviral infection after liver transplantation

Transpl Int. 2000;13(1):41-5. doi: 10.1007/s001470050006.

Abstract

Ogilvie's syndrome, or acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, is a rare complication following liver transplantation. We describe two cases in which the onset of Ogilvie's syndrome is strongly temporally associated with acute cytomegaloviral (CMV) infection in immunosuppressed liver transplant recipients. The pseudo-obstruction resolved rapidly in both cases following treatment with intravenous ganciclovir. Acute CMV infection therefore appeared to be causally linked to pathogenesis of Ogilvie's syndrome in these two cases. This association has not been described previously to our knowledge, and should be considered in any transplant patient presenting with Ogilvie's syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction / diagnostic imaging
  • Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction / etiology*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / complications*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Ganciclovir / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications*
  • Radiography
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Ganciclovir