Esophageal stricture after cytomegalovirus ulcer treated with ganciclovir

A 49-year-old man with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) developed epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to a cytomegalovirus (CMV)-induced ulceration in the distal esophagus and proximal stomach. All symptoms improved on treatment with ganciclovir. However, 1 month later severe dysphagia led to discovery of a fibrous stricture in the area of the healed ulcer. The dysphagia was controlled by esophageal dilation. Ulcerative lesions caused by CMV can heal with ganciclovir treatment but, as with other esophageal ulcers, healing may be associated with fibrosis and stricture.