A case report of herpetic and candidal esophagitis in an immunocompetent adult

Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2011 Jun;1(3):251-2. doi: 10.1016/S2221-1691(11)60037-3.

Abstract

Reports of combined candidal and herpetic esophagitis in immunocompetent states are rare and sporadic. A 44-year-old previously healthy lady presented with a one week history of progressive dysphagia, odynophagia and fever. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) showed extensive desquamation of the entire esophagus except for distal 4 cm. Histopathological examination revealed ulcerated and inflamed squamous epithelium with the margin of ulcer showing a few overhanging squamous cells with dense eosinophilic cytoplasm, multinucleated and faceted nuclei with glassy chromatin, and an occasional Cowdry type A intranuclear inclusion bodies. Few candidal spores were seen in the underlying stroma. Intravenous acyclovir, fluconazole and pantoprazole were initiated. Oral analgesics were given for pain relief. She was treated for a total of 14 days. She showed significant improvement and was tolerating oral intake after discharge. The patient was asymptomatic with no evidence of recurrence at a 2-month follow-up.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Candidiasis / diagnosis
  • Candidiasis / drug therapy
  • Candidiasis / microbiology*
  • Esophagitis / diagnosis
  • Esophagitis / drug therapy
  • Esophagitis / microbiology*
  • Esophagitis / virology*
  • Esophagus / microbiology
  • Esophagus / pathology
  • Esophagus / virology
  • Female
  • Herpes Simplex / diagnosis
  • Herpes Simplex / drug therapy
  • Herpes Simplex / virology*
  • Humans
  • Inclusion Bodies, Viral
  • Spores, Fungal
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Antiviral Agents