Korean Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition  2008;11(1):70-74

A Case of Herpes simplex Esophagitis in an Immunocompetent Boy.

Joong Suk YEO 1 ; Je Deok JEON ; Soo Hee CHANG

Affiliations

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Keywords

Herpes simplex; Esophagitis; Immunocompetent children

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus has rarely been identified as a cause of esophagitis in immunocompetent children. This virus affects predominantly males presenting with symptoms of fever, odynophagia, dysphagia, and retrosternal pain of acute onset. Esophagoscopy typically reveals exudative well-circumscribed ulcerations of the distal and/or mid-esophagus. Further investigations using biopsy, viral culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and seroconversion of antibodies to Herpes simplex are recommended to assist with a definitive diagnosis. This esophagitis is often a self-limited infection in immunocompetent children. Nevertheless, antiviral treatment may expedite symptom relief with Herpes simplex virus infection. It is imperative to document herpes esophagitis in cases with subsequent severe odynophagia in immunocompetent children. Here we present the case of a 12-year-old immunocompetent boy with herpes esophagitis.