Cytomegalovirus appendicitis after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

We present the case of a young man with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who developed cytomegalovirus (CMV) appendicitis after receiving alemtuzumab for acute refractory graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). CMV appendicitis is a rare complication; and we are reporting the first case to our knowledge of CMV appendicitis following HSCT. Our case highlights the importance of recognition of CMV viral reactivation following the use of alemtuzumab. Using a preemptive strategy of checking CMV PCR, with initiation of early effective treatment on detection of CMV replication, may be appropriate following use of alemtuzumab in hematologic malignancies in patients after HSCT.