Idiopathic Oropharyngeal and Esophageal Ulcers Related to HIV Infection Successfully Treated with Antiretroviral Therapy Alone

Abstract

We herein report the case of an HIV-positive man who was diagnosed with idiopathic esophageal and oropharyngeal ulceration. The esophageal and oropharyngeal ulcers were considered to be idiopathic and related to HIV infection after excluding the possibility of infection with known pathogens. Both the esophageal and oropharyngeal ulcers showed significant improvements following antiretroviral therapy alone. Idiopathic esophageal ulcers are a well-known complication of late-stage HIV infection. However, involvement of both the esophagus and pharynx is rare. Furthermore, antiretroviral therapy without concomitant steroids is effective against idiopathic esophageal and oropharyngeal ulcers related to HIV infection.