Evaluation and Management of Infectious Esophagitis in Immunocompromised and Immunocompetent Individuals

Abstract

Among the many inflammatory processes that may account for esophageal symptoms, infection represents an important etiologic category with numerous clinically relevant subdivisions. While features of the history and physical exam are informative, diagnosis often hinges on endoscopic visualization and histopathologic analysis. This chapter will review in series the most clinically relevant causative agents for infectious esophagitis, with specific diagnostic and therapeutic features of note divided into one of two immune milieus. Our discussion focuses primarily on Candida species, herpes simplex virus, and cytomegalovirus as the most common causes of infectious esophagitis while also addressing a number of less common pathogens worth keeping in mind.

Keywords: Candidiasis; Cytomegalovirus; Dysphagia; Esophagus; Herpes simplex; Odynophagia.