Herpes Simplex Virus Esophagitis in an Immunocompetent Patient

Esophagitis due to herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is a rare entity in the immunocompetent population. It is usually seen in immunocompromised hosts, those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, malignancies, and patients on immunosuppressive medications. We present a case of a young immunocompetent man with anabolic steroid use who presented with esophagitis symptoms found to be from HSV infection. So far, the use of corticosteroids has been reported as a predisposing factor for HSV esophagitis in immunocompetent hosts in multiple case reports. However, our case suspects that transient immunosuppression with similar medication can cause HSV esophagitis in otherwise immunocompetent hosts.