Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...

Chickenpox

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. Its transmission occurs primarily through the inhalation of respiratory droplets or direct contact with vesicular fluid from skin lesions. The incubation period typically ranges from 10 to 21 days, during which the virus replicates and disseminates through sequential phases within the host. Although generally self-limiting in children,...

Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), though herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is increasingly implicated in genital infections, particularly among younger populations. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual contact, with asymptomatic viral shedding serving as a major route of spread. This characteristic makes HSV-2 difficult to control at a population level, as individuals may unknowingly transmit the virus even in the...

Herpes

Herpes

Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV‑1) is a widespread pathogen responsible for orolabial lesions. It is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus belonging to the family Herpesviridae. Once the virus infects a host cell, its double‑stranded DNA genome is delivered into the nucleus, where a coordinated cascade of immediate‑early, early, and late gene expression directs viral DNA replication, structural protein synthesis, and virion assembly. After primary infection of epithelial cells, HSV-1...

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the backward flow of stomach contents (acid, pepsin, or bile) into the esophagus, causing mucosal inflammation known as esophagitis. It results from failure of antireflux mechanisms, mainly the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), influenced by mechanical and physiological factors.Etiology and Risk FactorsGERD develops when LES function is weakened or when intra-abdominal pressure increases. Risk factors include aging, obesity, and sliding hiatal hernia,...

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Clinical characteristics of acute pancreatitis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a nationwide survey in Japan.

Journal of gastroenterology·2026

Same author

Clinical Statistics and Outcomes of Pancreatic Neoplasms in Japan: A Retrospective Cohort Study using the Japan Pancreatic Cancer Registry.

Pancreas·2026

Same author

Long-term outcomes of plastic versus metal stents for preoperative biliary drainage in pancreatic cancer: a nationwide propensity score-matched analysis.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy·2026

Same author

Obexelimab for the Treatment of IgG4-Related Disease.

The New England journal of medicine·2026

Same author

Inebilizumab treatment in Japanese patients with IgG4-related disease: a subgroup analysis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial (MITIGATE).

Modern rheumatology·2026

Same author

Effect of 5-Aminosalicylate Dose Reduction or Withdrawal on Prognosis in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis Receiving Advanced Therapy: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study.

Digestive diseases and sciences·2026

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK

Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK

Published on: December 18, 2012

Herpes simplex esophagitis in the elderly.

Tomoki Bando¹, Mitsunobu Matsushita, Motokazu Kitano

¹Department of Internal Medicine, Higashi Osaka Hospital, Osaka, Japan.

Digestive Endoscopy : Official Journal of the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society

|August 21, 2009

Summary

Herpes simplex esophagitis (HSE) is rare in immunocompetent individuals but can occur in elderly patients. This case highlights characteristic endoscopic findings and successful treatment with acyclovir for HSE in an elderly woman.

More Related Videos

Porcine Corneal Tissue Explant to Study the Efficacy of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Antivirals

Porcine Corneal Tissue Explant to Study the Efficacy of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Antivirals

Published on: September 20, 2021

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK

Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK

Published on: December 18, 2012

Porcine Corneal Tissue Explant to Study the Efficacy of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Antivirals

Porcine Corneal Tissue Explant to Study the Efficacy of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Antivirals

Published on: September 20, 2021

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Virology
Geriatrics

Background:

Herpes simplex esophagitis (HSE) is typically seen in immunocompromised individuals.
Elderly patients, even those biologically immunocompromised, may present with atypical HSE.
Esophageal symptoms in the elderly warrant consideration for viral etiologies.

Observation:

An 82-year-old woman presented with persistent epigastric discomfort despite antibiotics for presumed bacterial pneumonia.
Endoscopy revealed characteristic shallow, exudative esophageal ulcers with raised edges.
Biopsies confirmed multinucleated giant cells with Cowdry type A inclusions, positive for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).

Findings:

The patient was diagnosed with herpes simplex esophagitis (HSE).
Treatment with acyclovir led to complete healing of the esophageal mucosa.
This case demonstrates a rare presentation of HSE in an elderly, biologically immunocompromised patient.

Implications:

HSE should be considered in the differential diagnosis of esophageal symptoms in elderly patients, particularly those with underlying conditions affecting immunity.
Characteristic endoscopic and histopathological findings aid in diagnosing HSE.
Prompt diagnosis and antiviral therapy (acyclovir) are effective in managing HSE, promoting mucosal healing.