Esofagitis herpética en un paciente inmunocompetente

Abstract

Herpetic esophagitis usually occurs more frequently in immunosuppressed patients, however, it has also been documented in immunocompetent patients, although infrequently. In immunocompetent patients, it is usually due to primary infection by the herpes simplex virus, usually type 1. The clinical picture is usually acute in onset and is characterized by the triad of sore throat, retrosternal pain, and fever. Diagnosis is based on the findings of the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and the taking of biopsies for the study of pathological anatomy and immunohistochemistry. The course is usually benign and early initiation of antiviral treatment allows rapid disappearance of symptoms and limits the severity of the infection.