Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42333367›Full record

ArticleCureus2026

Herpes Simplex Virus Esophagitis in an Immunocompetent Patient: Navigating Diagnostic Challenges and Achieving Effective Treatment.

Didi Mwengela, Nimah Ather, John Kunesh

Abstract readCase Reports
In one paragraph

Article in Cureus, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Didi MwengelaDepartment of Medicine, Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Torrance, USA.
Nimah AtherDepartment of Medicine, Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Torrance, USA.
John KuneshTorrance Memorial Department of Pathology and Clinical Laboratory, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Torrance, USA.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) esophagitis is classically associated with immunocompromised states and is rare in immunocompetent patients, making the presentation of HSV esophagitis in an immunocompetent patient challenging to diagnose. We present the case of a 64-year-old immunocompetent male with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who developed severe HSV esophagitis. The patient presented initially with severe retrosternal burning and inability to tolerate oral intake. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed severe esophagitis, and biopsy confirmed herpes simplex virus infection. He was treated with acyclovir administered intravenously, followed by oral acyclovir therapy, along with proton pump inhibitor treatment, which resulted in rapid clinical improvement. This case highlights the importance of keeping viral etiologies on the differential for refractory esophageal symptoms, even in the absence of a history of immunocompromise, and underscores the role of endoscopy and biopsy in diagnostic evaluation. Early antiviral therapy was effective, demonstrating the need for prompt recognition and intervention for optimal outcomes. Increasing awareness of such cases can improve understanding and management of this uncommon condition.

Indexed as

acyclovir therapyevaluations for dysphagiaherpes esophagitisherpes esophagitis in immunocompetentodynophagia

Identifiers

PMID42333367
PMCPMC13283467

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.