Endoscopic characteristics and etiological examinations of viral esophagitis: a report of 16 cases

Objective To evaluate the endoscopic and pathologic characteristics and etiological examination of viral esophagitis. Methods The data of 16 patients with viral esophagitis, including endoscopic, pathological and immunohistochemical findings were retrospectively studied. Results Endoscopic findings of viral esophagitis were characterized by single or multiple round and oval ulcers, located at the upper and middle esophagus. The surface of the ulcer was clean, and the boundary was distinct. Pathologic findings included degeneration and necrosis in squamous epithelium, accompanied by ulcer, infiltration of neutrophils and lymphocytes, hyperplasia of capillaries and basal cells and formation of granulation tissues. Immunocytochemical examination showed HSV-1 was positive in biopses, while CMV, EBV, HHV8 were negetive. Conclusion Viral esophagtitis exhibited distinctive endoscopic and pathological features, and etiology can be confirmed by immunohistochemical examinations. Key words: Esophagitis;  Herpes simplex virus;  Esophagus ulcer