Unusual oral presentation of HSV-1 lesions in an adult liver transplant recipient

Abstract

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) hepatitis in liver transplant patients is a rarely reported infective complication of HSV with severe consequences, often leading to fulminant hepatitis if left untreated. The clinical signs are often atypical, leading to under-reporting in the literature and potential delays in treatment. Our case report describes such atypical mucocutaneous lesions in a liver transplant recipient. We highlight the need for further reports, especially those with images, in order to aid the diagnosis of HSV infection, and to allow prompt treatment to prevent complications such as HSV hepatitis.

Primary herpes simplex virus type 1 infection with acute liver failure in solid organ transplantation: Report of three cases and review

“…In the majority of cases the onset symptoms were nonspecific, they included fever and mild changes in liver profile. In less than 50% of cases were accompanied by skin lesions but these were non-characteristic of HSV infection [12] , [13] . For example, in the second case the skin lesions were oriented as cellulitis, and antibiotic therapy was indicated leading to a delay in the diagnosis.…”