Brush Cytology in the Diagnosis of Herpetic Esophagitis

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