Herpes Simplex Virus Esophagitis in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Case Report

Even though it is rare, herpes simplex virus (HSV) esophagitis has a significant adverse impact on immunocompromised people, such as those with HIV, cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation to the neck, and recipients of transplants receiving immunosuppressive treatments. This makes a high level of clinical suspicion necessary for a precise diagnosis and successful treatment. Although rare, its occurrence in immunocompetent patients poses unique challenges for diagnosis and therapy. A 68-year-old woman with HSV esophagitis presented with severe symptoms, including odynophagia and hematemesis. Endoscopy revealed "volcano-like" ulcers; after confirmation of HSV-1 infection, treatment with acyclovir, esomeprazole, and sucralfate led to symptom resolution within a week and complete healing in three months. This case underscores the importance of considering HSV esophagitis in the differential diagnosis of esophageal ulcers in immunocompetent patients, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and antiviral therapy for effective treatment.