Fungal Esophagitis Presenting With Esophagitis Dissecans Superficialis: Cause or Concurrence? A Diagnostic Conundrum

Abstract

Esophagitis dissecans superficialis (EDS) is a rare desquamative disorder of the esophagus. It is characterized by sheets of sloughed squamous tissue with normal underlying mucosa. We present a case of a 68-year-old man with severe anemia and a positive fecal occult blood test who was found to have features suggestive of EDS during endoscopy. However, histological features were suggestive of both EDS and fungal esophagitis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in literature which discusses the clinical scenario of fungal infection being a possible etiology rather than a commonly accepted differential diagnosis of EDS. We also review the clinical features, diagnostic criteria and treatment of EDS.

Esophagitis Dissecans Superficialis in Children

“…We are the first to report EDS in association with EoE and food impactions. This association with food impaction is consistent with prior speculations that contact and/or thermal injury contribute to the pathogenesis of EDS (1,11,13). The clinical significance and impact of EDS in EoE is, however, unclear and perhaps minimal.…”

Esophageal mucosa exfoliation: a rare case during endoscopic submucosal dissection

“…Esophageal mucosa exfoliation is a rare benign entity of uncertain etiology in clinic practice, characterized by sloughing of the superficial mucosa [ 1 ], which is idiopathic in most cases but can be caused by medications [ 2 ], chemical irritants, autoimmune disease [ 3 ], infection [ 4 ], and so on. Associated symptoms are variable, from nausea to haematemesis, dysphagia, and atypical chest pain.…”