Question:medium

Serpiginous ulcer in the distal esophagus is classically caused by-

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Which viral esophagitis gives winding serpentine ulcers in the lower esophagus that can merge into giant ulcers?
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • CMV
  • Herpes
  • Pill
  • Corrosive
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: The shape and site of an esophageal ulcer are strong clues to its cause in infectious esophagitis.
Step 2: A winding, serpentine ulcer sitting low in the esophagus, sometimes merging into a giant ulcer, is the signature of cytomegalovirus.
Step 3: Herpes gives small punched-out shallow ulcers, a lodged tablet gives a focal pill-induced ulcer, and a corrosive agent burns the lining diffusely, so none of these matches a serpiginous distal pattern.
Step 4: The lesion described therefore points to CMV.
\[\boxed{\text{CMV}}\]
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