CMV complications in common variable immunodeficiency.

A patient suffering from common variable immunodeficiency is described, who developed a myelitis under treatment with glucocorticosteroids. Later on, autoimmune complications had to be treated with azathioprine. An exacerbation of the myelitis, retinitis, encephalitis and colitis was observed and a cytomegalovirus infection diagnosed. This infection does not represent a typical complication of common variable immunodeficiency. A functional NK cell defect was detected that may contribute to susceptibility for cytomegalovirus infection in addition to immunosuppressive therapy.