Bhattarai AM, Rokaya P, Sharma R, Karki A, Roka K. Iron-deficiency anemia following herpetic esophagitis in a previously healthy female.
Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022;
84:104839. [PMID:
36582881 PMCID:
PMC9793130 DOI:
10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104839]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Herpetic Esophagitis is caused by the Herpes Simplex virus, which generally affects immunocompromised individuals and is rarely seen in healthy individuals. Symptoms are usually self-limiting.
Case presentation
We report the case of a 68-year-old female who presented with odynophagia, dysphagia, and epigastric pain with no other underlying disease. Endoscopic findings of soft, nodular, and friable growths just above the squamocolumnar junction with diffuse ulcerations in the distal esophagus, led to the diagnosis. It was confirmed with a histopathological report which revealed multinucleated giant cells with eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions. During follow-up, laboratory investigations revealed iron deficiency anemia, which was the consequence of GI bleeding.
Clinical discussion
Herpes Simplex virus esophagitis can occur in immunocompetent individuals and even it can cause food impaction and GI bleeding, which can lead to Iron deficiency anemia.
Conclusion
Hence, follow-up of patients is important for early diagnosis and intervention of any complications that may arise.
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