[Cytomegalovirus colitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Histopathologic, endoscopic, and clinical correlation].

We describe the frequency of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in colon and rectum biopsies obtained endoscopically in patients with AIDS. In 44 of 199 biopsies, CMV was the only opportunistic infection. Cytomegaly, intracytoplasmic inclusions, and vasculitis with endothelial CMV-cytopathic damage were the histological changes that prompted the diagnosis. CMV-infected cells were located primary in the stromal and endothelial cells. The vascular damage was observed only in submucosal vessels. Histological findings were correlated with the endoscopic mucosal appearance and with the clinical symptoms, founding no significative correlation.