FULMINANT HERPES COLITIS IN A PATIENT WITH CROHNS-DISEASE

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a well-recognized cause of gastrointesti nal infection, most commonly in patients with underlying immunodeficie ncy. The esophagus, perianum, and rectum are the most common sites of involvement; however, extensive colitis is rare. We describe a woman w ith Crohn's disease who developed pathologically proven HSV colitis. W e review the literature and present the possible implications of this diagnosis.