2517 Isn't Herpes Esophagitis Enough?

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Herpes simplex (HSV) esophagitis, typically found in immunocompromised hosts, is increasingly being seen in immunocompetent hosts. A PubMed search covering the last 10 years yielded 8 publications of HSV esophagitis in the immunocompetent pediatric population, 3 of which were associated with eosinophilic esophagitis. No literature was found regarding HSV esophagitis associated with H. pylori infection. This is not surprising as the incidence of H. pylori is <10% in developed countries. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of co-infection of HSV esophagitis and H. pylori gastritis. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A healthy 16 year old male presented with 7 days of fever, severe odynophagia, and epigastric pain with no oral ulcers. He had a one year history of heartburn and dysphagia. Family history positive for H. pylori in paternal grandmother. He was seen at multiple facilities prior to transfer with prior diagnosis of costochondritis, pericarditis, pneumonia, and cholecystitis. Work up showed a normal KUB, abdominal ultrasound and upper GI series. WBC was 12.7 × 103/µL with left shift and elevated CRP at 86 mg/L. He was unresponsive to 24 hours of IV acid suppression therapy. Urgent endoscopy revealed extensive shallow ulcerations with exudate of the mid and distal esophagus and mild nodularity of the antrum. Empiric IV acyclovir was started with rapid symptom improvement within 24 hours. Biopsies showed ulcerated squamous esophageal mucosa with acute inflammation and exudate without eosinophilia. Adjacent reactive epithelium included binucleated to multinucleated cells with eosinophil nuclear structures suggestive of Cowdry type A inclusion bodies. A single cell showed a Cowdry type B inclusion but without the presence of classic multinucleated cells with molded nuclei. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of HSV and was negative for CMV. Gastric biopsy showed mild, diffuse chronic gastritis with scant acute inflammation. CLO test was negative, but Diff-Quik and immunohistochemistry stains confirmed H. pylori. Triple therapy for H. pylori and a 10 day acyclovir course were completed. Currently his immune work-up is still pending. DISCUSSION: Since herpes esophagitis is a rare diagnosis in pediatrics, it is easy to ignore the possibility of co-infection. The importance of considering a co-infection in acute herpes esophagitis important to consider as the acute symptoms did not explain the patient's chronic peptic symptoms.