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[Herpes simplex esophagitis in immunocompetent individuals.].
Laeknabladid
|May 15, 2009
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) esophagitis, though rare in healthy individuals, is likely underdiagnosed. This study highlights that visible lesions are often absent, necessitating vigilance and diagnostic endoscopy for accurate identification of HSV esophagitis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections commonly affect the skin and oral mucosa, but esophageal involvement is infrequent.
- Esophagitis is typically seen in immunocompromised individuals, making cases in healthy populations rare and often misdiagnosed.
Purpose:
- To describe four cases of HSV esophagitis in young, healthy men.
- To review the literature on HSV esophagitis in otherwise healthy individuals to better understand its presentation and diagnosis.
Summary:
- Four young, healthy men presented with HSV esophagitis, with diagnoses confirmed by clinical criteria, serology, viral culture, and histopathology.
- A literature review identified 12 additional cases, totaling 16 cases (14 men, 2 women; mean age 26) of HSV esophagitis in healthy individuals.
- The most common symptom was odynophagia (painful swallowing), with fever present in 50%. Esophageal ulcers or inflammation were consistent findings, predominantly in the distal esophagus. HSV-1 was the most frequent viral type identified.
Impact:
- HSV esophagitis is an underdiagnosed condition in healthy individuals, often presenting without typical cutaneous or mucosal lesions.
- Increased clinical suspicion and diagnostic procedures like endoscopy with biopsies and viral cultures are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- This study contributes to understanding the epidemiology and clinical features of HSV esophagitis in an immunocompetent population.
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