Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 24, 2026
Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure
Published on: September 19, 2019
Herpetic Esophagitis in Immunocompetent Child
Eyad M Altamimi1, Mohammed S Alorjani2, Wejdan Y Alquran2
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
Insights
A previously healthy child developed severe esophagitis due to herpes simplex virus (HSV). Prompt treatment with acyclovir led to rapid symptom resolution, highlighting HSV esophagitis as a treatable cause of severe esophageal symptoms in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Herpetic esophagitis is a rare condition, particularly in immunocompetent children.
- Esophageal symptoms like odynophagia and refusal to eat can be severe and mimic other gastrointestinal disorders.
Observation:
- A 2.5-year-old previously healthy male child presented with fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, progressing to odynophagia and anorexia.
- Upper endoscopy revealed severe inflammation, ulcerations, and necrosis of the esophagus.
- Immunological workup was normal, but serological testing confirmed active herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection.
Findings:
- Histopathological and serological findings were consistent with herpetic esophagitis.
- The patient tested positive for HSV serology.
- Despite initial lack of response to acid suppressants, symptoms resolved within 24 hours of initiating acyclovir treatment.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering herpetic esophagitis in the differential diagnosis of severe esophagitis in children, even without a history of immunocompromise.
- Early recognition and prompt antiviral therapy (acyclovir) are effective in managing herpetic esophagitis and ensuring rapid recovery.
- Normal immunological workup in this case highlights that herpetic esophagitis can occur in immunocompetent individuals.
Abstract:
A previously healthy 2.5-year-old male child presented with vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. During hospitalization he developed odynophagia and refusal to eat. His symptoms did not respond to acid suppressant therapy. He underwent upper endoscopy which showed severe inflammation, ulcerations and abundant necrosis. Histopathological features and serological testing were consistent with herpetic esophagitis. He had no history of recurrent infections or history of sick contacts. His immunological work up showed normal level of immunoglobulins and his White Blood Cells subpopulations were normal. His HSV serology was positive. The patient was started on acyclovir 5 mg/kg q 8 hours. He resolved his symptoms within 24 hours of treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
01:24Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction
01:22Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus....
01:30Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
01:28Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations: