Author Affiliations: Division of Pediatric Surgery, Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, California, USA (Lee S); Department of General Surgery (Johnsen H) and Division of Pediatric Surgery (Applebaum H), Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA

Corresponding Author: Steven L. Lee, MD, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90509, USA (Tel: (310) 222-2706; Fax: (310) 782-1562; Email: slleemd@yahoo.com)

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) enterocolitis is an uncommon intestinal disorder of newborns that is often initially misdiagnosed as necrotizing enterocolitis.

Methods: We treated a premature twin boy with CMV enterocolitis who presented with abdominal compartment syndrome requiring urgent decompression. All patients with neonatal CMV enterocolitis reported were reviewed.

Results: Nine previously reported patients with neonatal CMV enterocolitis presented with abdominal distention and signs of sepsis. At the time of surgery, either perforation or stricture was identified. The current report is the first to present with clinical signs of abdominal compartment syndrome.

Conclusion: CMV is a rare cause of neonatal enterocolitis. Surgical intervention is required for bowel perforation, stricture, or abdominal compartment syndrome.

Key words: abdominal compartment syndrome; cytomegalovirus; enterocolitis; necrotizing enterocolitis

                   World J Pediatr 2012;8(1):80-82