Alternative Names
Cytomegalovirus esophagitis
Definition of CMV esophagitis
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) esophagitis is a viral infection of the esophagus, the muscular tube through which food travels from the mouth to the stomach.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
CMV esophagitis is caused by the cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
Treatment
Treatment involves antiviral medications that are given through a vein (intravenously), such as ganciclovir or foscarnet. In some cases, patients are given an antiviral medicine called valganciclovir, which is taken by mouth.
Expectations (prognosis)
Esophagitis can usually be treated effectively. The outcome depends on the immune system problem that makes the person more likely to get the infection.
Review
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 8/28/2009
