Linear erosive herpes simplex virus infection in immunocompromised patients: The "knife-cut sign"

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus in immunocompromised patients may be misdiagnosed because of its atypical presentation. We present 3 cases of herpes simplex virus presenting as intertriginous fissures similar to the "knife-cut" ulcers associated with metastatic Crohn's disease. Our experience suggests that intertriginous fissures due to herpes simplex virus are recognizable patterns of viral infections in immunocompromised hosts. © 2008 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved.