Oral Cytomegalovirus Infection in a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patient: Case Report and Review of Literature

• Published in: Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology Vol. 133; no. 5; p. e158
• Main Authors: Faram, Dr. Ronald, Kamat, Dr. Shraddha, Abel, Dr. Adam, Freedman, Dr. Paul, Reich, Dr. Renee
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.05.2022
• ISSN: 2212-4403; 2212-4411
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2021.12.110

Systemic manifestations of cytomegalovirus (CMV) are varied, and include pneumonitis, hepatitis and retinitis. Oral ulcers due to CMV infection are rare lesions, most often seen in immunocompromised hosts, typically HIV positive patients, transplant recipients, patients on chemotherapy or patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy for associated conditions. Despite a suspected relationship between childhood onset of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and CMV infection, oral CMV ulcerations have not previously been reported in patients being treated for SLE. Here, we present a case of widespread CMV infected oral ulcers in an 18-year-old woman with SLE. The lack of unique distinguishing clinical features of CMV related oral ulcers often leads to delayed diagnosis. Because CMV oral ulcers are often associated with an unfavorable prognosis, early detection is imperative to prevent disseminated disease and increased morbidity. We hope that this case, by describing the manifestations of oral CMV in a patient with SLE, will lead to heightened levels of suspicion and more timely diagnosis and treatment.