Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis Caused by Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex Virus, and Candida Species in a Kidney Transplant Recipient: A Case Report

Mycophenolate Mofetil-Induced Aphthous Stomatitis After Kidney Transplant: A Clinical Case Report

Aphthous stomatitis, with frequent and painful aphthous ulcers (also called canker sores or simply oral ulcers) on the non-keratinized oral mucous membranes, is often a cutaneous complication in kidney transplant recipients. Mycophenolate mofetil is a drug that is part of an immunosuppressive regimen in kidney transplant recipients, along with corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors. Mycophenolate mofetil, the triggering agent for mouth ulcers in kidney transplant recipients, has been communicated in scientific literature. Herein, we report a case of multiple painful oral ulcerations secondary to mycophenolate mofetil in a 23-year-old female kidney transplant recipient. The oral ulcers resolved immediately after discontinuation of the mycophenolate mofetil. Withdrawal of mycophenolate mofetil or switching to other medicine must be considered when a patient with a kidney transplant history complains of oral ulcers and a negative workup for other etiologies.

Oral microbiota dysbiosis accelerates the development and onset of mucositis and oral ulcers

With the rapid development of metagenomic high-throughput sequencing technology, more and more oral mucosal diseases have been proven to be associated with oral microbiota shifts or dysbiosis. The commensal oral microbiota can greatly influence the colonization and resistance of pathogenic microorganisms and induce primary immunity. Once dysbiosis occurs, it can lead to damage to oral mucosal epithelial defense, thus accelerating the pathological process. As common oral mucosal diseases, oral mucositis and ulcers seriously affect patients' prognosis and quality of life. However, from the microbiota perspective, the etiologies, specific alterations of oral flora, pathogenic changes, and therapy for microbiota are still lacking in a comprehensive overview. This review makes a retrospective summary of the above problems, dialectically based on oral microecology, to provide a new perspective on oral mucosal lesions management and aims at improving patients' quality of life.

Simultaneous Massive Esophageal Mucosal Candidiasis and Profound Cytomegaloviral Esophageal Ulcers with Recurrence of Both Infections 12 Years Later in a Patient with Long-Standing AIDS: Endoscopic, Radiologic, and Pathologic Findings

Immunocompromised patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can develop opportunistic esophageal candidial and cytomegaloviral infections. A case is reported which extends the clinico-endoscopic severity of these infections. A 32-year-old bisexual man with AIDS since 1997, and intermittently compliant with antiretroviral therapy, presented (2007) with dysphagia and 32 kg-weight loss. EGD revealed a massive, cheesy, esophageal mucosal exudate from Candida albicans. Cytomegalovirus was isolated by viral culture. The patient improved after fluconazole/ganciclovir therapy. The patient re-presented (2019) with hematemesis and dysphagia. EGD revealed cheesy esophageal exudate and profound “punched out” esophageal ulcers mimicking pseudo-diverticula. Histopathology confirmed candidiasis. Viral cultures revealed cytomegalovirus. Barium esophagram revealed deep esophageal ulcers/pseudo-diverticula. Repeat EGD 8 weeks later after ganciclovir/micafungin therapy revealed mostly healed lesions. This demonstrates that AIDS patients may have massive mucosal esophageal candidiasis; that both infections can recur years after apparent eradication; and that cytomegaloviral esophageal ulcers may be profound and mimic pseudo-diverticula. A comprehensive literature review revealed only one abstract of esophageal pseudo-diverticula associated with cytomegalovirus. Simultaneous esophageal candidial and CMV infections have also been rarely reported in immunocompromised patients without AIDS.