Herpetic Esophagitis in Immunocompetent Host: Case Report

Introduction:Esophagitis is an entity mainly caused by noninfectious etiologies, most commonly gastroesophageal reflux disease.The majority of infectious cases are seen in immunocompromised patients and are mainly due to herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Candida.Herpes simplex esophagitis has only been reported on few occasions in immunocompetent hosts. Case:We report a case of a young 28-year-old immunocompetent male presenting for agitation and hematemesis admitted to the hospital with eventual final diagnosis of herpetic esophagitis.Treatment with acyclovir resulted in good patient outcomes. Discussion and Conclusion:Herpes simplex esophagitis is common in immunocompromised patients but has only been reported on few occasions in immunocompetent hosts.Such a rare condition should be on the differential for any diffuse esophagitis of possible infectious etiology.Prompt diagnosis and treatment can lead to excellent outcomes in such patients.