Herpes esophagitis

Herpes esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus caused by herpes simplex virus, typically producing painful swallowing and discrete ulcers in its lining.

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Herpes simplex virus: Herpes simplex viruses are enveloped DNA viruses that cause oral, genital, and other infections in humans. HSV-1, more often than HSV-2, causes the esophageal infection.
Odynophagia: Odynophagia is pain during swallowing. It is a common presenting symptom when HSV ulcers inflame the esophageal lining.
Cytomegalovirus esophagitis: Cytomegalovirus esophagitis is esophageal inflammation caused by cytomegalovirus, often with large linear ulcers. Its ulcer pattern and biopsy findings differ from the smaller ulcers typical of HSV.
Herpes simplex virus type 1: Herpes simplex virus type 1 is a herpesvirus commonly associated with oral infection and capable of causing genital or visceral disease. HSV-1 is the predominant type identified in herpes esophagitis.
Viral cytopathic effect: Viral cytopathic effect is the structural damage or abnormal change a virus causes in infected cells. Infected esophageal cells show the viral injury that produces characteristic tissue findings.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It reveals the ulcers and enables targeted tissue sampling.
Candida esophagitis: Candida esophagitis is fungal infection of the esophagus, commonly causing white plaques and painful swallowing. Plaques and yeast on testing distinguish it from HSV-associated ulcers.
Herpes simplex virus type 2: Herpes simplex virus type 2 is a herpesvirus most often associated with genital infection. HSV-2 can also cause esophagitis, although it is less commonly implicated than HSV-1.
Esophageal ulcer: An esophageal ulcer is a break in the mucosal lining of the esophagus. Herpes infection typically forms multiple small, sharply demarcated ulcers.
Esophageal biopsy: An esophageal biopsy is a tissue sample taken from the esophagus for microscopic or laboratory testing. Samples from ulcer edges can show HSV-infected cells and support diagnosis.