Summery
We present a case of herpetic esophagitis in a patient with acute renal failure. Herpes
virus infection was detected in one of 386 gastroesophageal brush cytologies performed.
Al-though the endoscopic appearance suggested candidiasis, and a biopsy specimen was
interpreted as peptic esophagitis, brush cytology identified viral particles that
were confirmed by serologic tests and cultures.
A common cause of esophageal ulceration in immunosuppressed patients, herpetic esophagitis
is occasionally reported in otherwise healthy immunocompetent persons. For its timely
diagnosis and appropriate treatment, this article advocates systematic brush cytology
during gastro-esophageal endoscopy.
Key words:
Cytology - Esophagitis - Herpes
