View source for Sandbox: esophageal candida

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==Overview==

[[Image:Esophageal candidiasis.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Endoscopic image of '''esophageal candidiasis''' in a patient after [[chemotherapy]].  Brushings confirmed the presence of [[hyphae]]]]

'''Esophageal candidiasis''' is an opportunistic infection of the [[esophagus]] by ''[[Candida albicans]]''.  The disease occurs in patients in immunocompromised states, including post-[[chemotherapy]] and in [[AIDS]].  It is also known as '''candidal esophagitis''' or '''monilial esophagitis'''

==Clinical presentation==
[[Image:Candida.jpg|left|thumb|150px|[[H&E]] stain of esophagus showing [[Candida]] [[hyphae]] within the [[lamina propria]]]]
Patients with esophageal candidiasis present with [[odynophagia]], or painful swallowing.  Longstanding esophageal candidiasis can result in [[weight loss]].  There is often concomittant [[thrush]].

Some patients present with esophageal candidiasis as a first presentation of systemic [[candidiasis]]

==Diagnostic testing==
Patients where esophageal candidiasis is suspected should undergo [[esophagogastroduodenoscopy]] if it is safe to do so.  Endoscopy often reveals classic diffuse raised plaques that characteristically can be removed from the [[mucosa]] by the endsocope.  Brushing or [[biopsy]] of the plaques shows [[hyphae]] that are characteristic of ''Candida'' species.

==Therapy==
A variety of medications may be used to treat esophageal candidiasis.  They include:
*[[nystatin]]
*oral [[triazoles]], such as [[fluconazole]]
*[[caspofungin]], used in refractory or systemic cases
*[[amphotericin]], used in refractory or systemic cases

==See also==
*[[candidiasis]]
*[[esophagitis]]
*[[neutropenia]]



[[Category:Gastroenterology]]
[[Category:Fungal diseases]]

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