Candida esophagitis

Abstract

Background/aims: Candida albicans is a rare cause of esophagitis, especially in immunocompetent individuals. This study was designed to determine the prevalence and symptoms of esophagitis and the relationship between candida esophagitis and underlying diseases. Methods: 11.772 esophageal endoscopy reports were evaluated. Diagnosis was based upon endoscopic and/or biopsy findings. Results: Candida esophagitis was determined in 21 (14 male and seven female, mean age: 51.9 ± 13 years), comprising 0.17% of all upper GI endoscopies. Eight patients (38.1%) had no known predisposing factors while malignancy was determined in five (23.8%). Three patients (14.3%) were on corticosteroid treatment, two had diabetes mellitus (9.5%) and three patients (14.3%) were being treated for tuberculosis, cirrhosis and alcohol abuse. Esophageal symptoms were reported in seven patients (33.4%). Conclusions: These findings suggest that esophageal candidiasis should be considered in immune compromised patients in particular, whether esophageal symptoms are present or not, and that it may also occur in apparently immune competent individuals.