[Herpetic esophagitis in 5 immunocompetent patients].

In five immunocompetent patients, 3 of whom were moderately ill, herpes simplex virus (HSV) oesophagitis was diagnosed. HSV oesophagitis is a frequent infection in immunocompromised hosts. Nevertheless the English medical literature (Medline) contains at least 33 cases of HSV oesophagitis in immunocompetent persons over the period 1983 to 1993. Odynophagia, dysphagia and chest pain are common symptoms. Endoscopy is necessary for diagnosis: brush cytology, biopsy for histology and viral culture are the tools for identification of herpes simplex as the cause of the oesophagitis. HSV oesophagitis in an immunocompetent patient is an acute but self-limiting disease. Nevertheless acyclovir per os or intravenously may be recommended if started early after onset of symptoms.