Herpes simplex esophagitis in a renal transplant patient treated with cyclosporine A: a case report

Herpes simplex esophagitis is a rare disease occurring mostly in immunocompromised and cancer patients. We report the first case of herpes esophagitis in a renal transplant patient treated with Cyclosporine A while on chronic steroid therapy. With the increasing use of Cyclosporine A in transplant patients, the incidence of herpes esophagitis may increase. The disease is suggested endoscopically by its typical appearance. The diagnosis is confirmed by cytology, tissue studies, and viral cultures. Based on the limited knowledge of the natural history of herpetic esophagitis and lack of prospective antiviral trials, symptomatic therapy with viscous Xylocaine appears reasonable. The definitive role of antiviral therapy is yet to be clarified.