Cytomegalovirus infection of the nasopharynx. Issue 12 (1st December 2002)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chan, B W; Woo, J K S; Liew, C T
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pathology. Volume 55:Issue 12(2002)
• Page Start: 970
• Page End: 972
• Publication Date: 2002-12-01
• Subjects: cytomegalovirus infection -- nasopharynx -- Epstein-Barr virus -- nasophayngeal carcinoma; CMV, cytomegalovirus -- EA, Epstein-Barr virus early intracellular antigen -- EBER, Epstein-Barr virus encoded RNA -- EBV, Epstein-Barr virus -- NPC, nasopharyngeal carcinoma -- VCA, Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen; Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.0705
• DOI: 10.1136/jcp.55.12.970
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9746

Abstract

Abstract : This report describes a case of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the nasopharynx. A 47 year old man presented with a nasopharyngeal mass of one month's duration. The patient had a history of pneumonia one month previously. Sinus computed tomography incidentally picked up a nasopharyngeal mass. The initial biopsy showed lymphoid hyperplasia. Repeated nasopharyngoscopy showed a prominent central nasopharyngeal mass without ulceration. Histology of the nasopharyngeal biopsy revealed several enlarged epithelial cells with characteristic CMV cytopathic changes. An immunohistochemical study, using a monoclonal IgG antibody against a CMV antigen, confirmed CMV infection. The patient's nasopharyngeal mass decreased in size gradually on follow up. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of CMV infection of the nasopharynx in the English literature. This disease entity should be considered in those patients presenting with nasopharyngeal mass, biopsy negative for malignancy, and no underlying immunosuppression or immunodeficiency.