Herpes Esophagitis Can Resemble Candidiasis

2740 GI Tract 6 months ago 0

A patient who initially appeared to have Candida esophagitis was later found to have herpes esophagitis, based on findings from endoscopy. Gastroenterologists who observe this type of lesion should consider disorders other than candidiasis.

Joyce Chivia and Pedro C. Figueiredo describe a 73-year-old man with bilateral pneumonia and treated with piperacillin and tazobactam. The patient had 2 recent hospital admissions for severe depression with psychotic symptoms, and continued to refuse food and lost weight despite resolution of pneumonia.

The authors performed an upper digestive endoscopy and found numerous scattered and coalescing white plaques in the distal two thirds of the esophagus (see figure). The lesions appeared to be esophageal candidiasis, so the patient was given fluconazole for treatment.

However, analysis of biopsy specimens revealed an ulcerated esophagitis and the presence of herpes viral inclusions. The patient was not infected with HIV or immunocompromised. His symptoms improved after he was given acyclovir, and he was discharged from the hospital.

Chivia and Figueiredo conclude that the patients had herpes esophagitis—a rare disorder in immunocompetent patients—based on the endoscopic findings. They state that gastroenterologists who observe this type of lesion should consider disorders other than Candida esophagitis.

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