Cytopathological diagnosis of herpes simplex virus infection causing oral aphthous ulcers in a patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia
case report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35699/2178-1990.2023.44990Keywords:
Simplexvirus, Cytology, Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-LymphomaAbstract
Aim: This paper aims to report an atypical oral HSV infection diagnosed by cytopathological examination in a patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia.
Case report: A nine-year-old white female was admitted with acute lymphocytic leukemia, presenting ulcers covered with pseudomembrane and spontaneous bleeding on the left soft palate, measuring approximately 2 cm, as well as other ulcers measuring 1 cm on the left lateral border of the tongue. Exfoliative cytopathology revealed neutrophils and cytopathic effects of HSV in the keratinocytes in a fibrin background. Based on the exfoliative examination, the diagnosis of HSV infection was obtained.
Conclusion: Oral HSV infection can be atypical in immunocompromised patients and can cause high morbidity and mortality. Healthcare professionals, especially those working in a hospital environment, should be aware of the possibility of HSV infection in atypical lesions in these patients and evaluate the need to include antiviral prophylactic therapy.
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