Microscopically, the squamous epithelial cells exhibit multinucleation and prominent intranuclear inclusions. The inclusions have a mauve 'ground glass' appearance. Such an infection is most likely to occur in an immunocompromised patient, such as a person with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or a person undergoing cancer chemotherapy. Herpetic esophagitis is second in frequency to candidiasis as a cause for odynophagia in such patients, and dysphagia may also occur. The oral cavity and esophagus may also be involved with ulcerations.
Perforation is rare.
HSV is more of a nuisance than a life-threatening infection. There were 154 correct entries out of 204 total entries for case 68.