Esophageal Pyogenic Granuloma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a capillary hemangioma mainly found in the skin and oral mucosa, but rarely described in the esophagus. We report the case of a 66-year-old man who consulted for retrosternal pain. Endoscopic studies showed a 28-mm polypoid mass located at the distal esophageal mucosa. The patient underwent endoscopic resection, and the histopathological examination showed a neoplastic proliferation of small blood vessels growing in a lobular architecture, with edematous stroma and prominent inflammatory infiltrate. Special stains for fungus showed pseudohyphae compatible with Candida spp. Findings were consistent with those of an esophageal PG associated with Candida infection. This case is a reminder that PG can be found in the esophagus, can be associated with other entities such as Candida infection, and is one of the differential diagnoses of neoplastic vascular proliferations that may mimic malignancy. In addition, we reviewed previously reported cases of esophageal PG.

Keywords: esophagus; gastrointestinal tract; lobular capillary hemangioma; pyogenic granuloma; vascular proliferations.