Cytomegalovirus ulceration of the oropharynx.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common opportunistic infection in both iatrogenic and HIV-induced immunosuppression. The usual sites of involvement are the gastro-intestinal tract, retina and lung. We present three cases of CMV ulceration of the oropharynx. All three patients presented with symptoms localized to the oropharynx and in each case the diagnosis was only made on histological examination of ulcer biopsy specimens. The patients all responded well to ganciclovir treatment and at writing none have required maintenance therapy (7-11 months post diagnosis).