[Fungal esophagitis]

Abstract

The gastrointestinal mucosa is one of the principal portal of entry in systemic fungal infections. Esophagitis is the most frequent among the fungal infections of the gastrointestinal tract. The etiologic factors of fungal infections are various Candida species, most frequently Candida albicans. Due to the large number of asymptomatic patients, great attention should be paid to the predisposing factors (AIDS, cancer, antibiotic or steroid therapy). The diagnosis is based on the endoscopic picture, microscopic examination and culture of the mucosal brushings, and histological examination of the esophageal mucosa. The treatment is based on azol derivates, mainly fluconazole. In fluconazole resistant cases amphotericin B is the drug of choice. The rare complications are perforation, bleeding and stricture.