Colon perforation due to cytomegalovirus infection in a patient with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome: a case report

BACKGROUND: Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a very rare disease and usually treated with corticosteroids. Gastrointestinal (GI) cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is also rare but frequent in patients with immunocompromised status. These two related diseases present with similar manifestations, and may result in a life-threatening complication: perforation. However, the treatment strategies differ greatly. Here, we report a case of colon perforation due to cytomegalovirus infection in a patient with idiopathic HES. CASE PRESENTATION: A 41-year-old man with a history of HES was transferred to our hospital due to an acute onset of abdominal pain. During the treatment course of HES, this patient received CMV-DNA test with a result of < 2000 copies/ml. Computed tomography (CT) suggested colon perforation. An emergency surgery was performed immediately. Pathological diagnosis revealed CMV infection and infiltration of eosinophils. This patient received both anti-CMV therapy and immunosuppression therapy. Subsequently, the patient recovered and was discharged 25 days after the operation. CONCLUSION: During the course of HES treatment, CMV infection should be reconsidered if digestive symptoms relapse.