Herpes Simplex Esophagitis in the Immunocompetent Patient: Case Report and Review of the Literature

摘要

Although more commonly encountered in patients with immune dysfunction, herpes simplex virus esophagitis (HSVE) in the immunocompetent patient occasionally occurs. The purpose of this report is to describe such a case as well as to review literature surrounding this clinical phenomenon. In addition to a case report, the pertinent medical literature from 1966 using MEDLINE was reviewed. All available English speaking articles were evaluated and synthesized in this review. Over 40 cases of HSVE in immunocompetent patients were found. Our patient was older than those in previously reported cases of HSVE. Like most previous cases she had presented with odynophagia, vomiting, and reflux symptoms. Upper endoscopy revealed esophagitis with multiple small ulcers. Immunocytochemistry of esophageal biopsy specimens was suggestive for herpes simplex virus. The patient was successfully treated with oral acyclovir for 14 days. Although rare, the clinician should be aware of the possibility of herpes simplex virus as an etiology for esophagitis. HSVE can occur in immunocompetent patients, and can be successfully treated.