Iron-deficiency anemia following herpetic esophagitis in a previously healthy female

Herpetic Esophagitis is caused by the Herpes Simplex virus, which generally affects immunocompromised individuals and is rarely seen in healthy individuals. Symptoms are usually self-limiting.

We report the case of a 68-year-old female who presented with odynophagia, dysphagia, and epigastric pain with no other underlying disease. Endoscopic findings of soft, nodular, and friable growths just above the squamocolumnar junction with diffuse ulcerations in the distal esophagus, led to the diagnosis. It was confirmed with a histopathological report which revealed multinucleated giant cells with eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions. During follow-up, laboratory investigations revealed iron deficiency anemia, which was the consequence of GI bleeding.

Herpes Simplex virus esophagitis can occur in immunocompetent individuals and even it can cause food impaction and GI bleeding, which can lead to Iron deficiency anemia.

Hence, follow-up of patients is important for early diagnosis and intervention of any complications that may arise.