Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Esophagus

Esophagus

The esophagus, a muscular conduit linking the pharynx and stomach, measures roughly 10 inches (25.4 cm) and sits behind the trachea. It remains collapsed when not swallowing. The esophagus follows a predominantly straight path through the thoracic mediastinum and enters the abdominal cavity through a diaphragmatic opening known as the esophageal hiatus.
The movement of edibles from the pharynx into the esophagus is facilitated by the upper esophageal sphincter, which is formed primarily by the...

Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction

Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction

Barrett's esophagus is a medical condition where the esophageal mucosa is significantly damaged by stomach acid or other digestive fluids, often due to long-term exposure associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In GERD, a weakened or abnormally relaxed lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to flow persistently into the esophagus.
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more similar...

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the backward flow of stomach contents (acid, pepsin, or bile) into the esophagus, causing mucosal inflammation known as esophagitis. It results from failure of antireflux mechanisms, mainly the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), influenced by mechanical and physiological factors.Etiology and Risk FactorsGERD develops when LES function is weakened or when intra-abdominal pressure increases. Risk factors include aging, obesity, and sliding hiatal hernia,...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Post-Cholecystectomy Mirizzi Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

The American journal of case reports·2019

Same author

Antibody against extracellular vaccinia virus (EV) protects mice through complement and Fc receptors.

PloS one·2011

Same author

A protein-based smallpox vaccine protects non-human primates from a lethal monkeypox virus challenge.

Vaccine·2010

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

A Novel Procedure for Evaluating the Reinforcing Properties of Tastants in Laboratory Rats: Operant Intraoral Self-administration

A Novel Procedure for Evaluating the Reinforcing Properties of Tastants in Laboratory Rats: Operant Intraoral Self-administration

Published on: February 6, 2014

Candy cocaine esophagus.

Matthew E Cohen¹, Jeffrey G Kegel

¹Department of Medicine, The Hospital of Saint Raphael, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA. mchen@gastrocenter.org

|May 15, 2002

Summary

Thermal injury to the esophagus can cause a "candy-cane" appearance. This case highlights that smoking freebase cocaine can lead to this condition, mimicking cardiac pain and emphasizing its importance in chest pain evaluation.

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Toxicology
Cardiology

Background:

Reversible thermal injury to the esophagus, known as candy cane esophagus, typically results from ingesting boiling-hot liquids.
This condition presents with characteristic pink and white linear bands on the inner esophageal wall.
Associated symptoms include chest pain, dysphagia, odynophagia, and abdominal pain.

Observation:

A case of candy cane esophagus was observed following thermal injury.
The injury was caused by smoking freebase cocaine, not hot liquids.
The patient experienced left shoulder and arm pain, diaphoresis, hypotension, and transient cardiac ischemia.

Findings:

Smoking freebase cocaine can cause thermal injury to the esophagus, leading to the candy cane esophagus presentation.

More Related Videos

Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice

Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice

Published on: February 18, 2016

Modeling Oral-Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 3D Organoids

Modeling Oral-Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 3D Organoids

Published on: December 23, 2022

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 30, 2026

A Novel Procedure for Evaluating the Reinforcing Properties of Tastants in Laboratory Rats: Operant Intraoral Self-administration

A Novel Procedure for Evaluating the Reinforcing Properties of Tastants in Laboratory Rats: Operant Intraoral Self-administration

Published on: February 6, 2014

Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice

Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice

Published on: February 18, 2016

Modeling Oral-Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 3D Organoids

Modeling Oral-Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 3D Organoids

Published on: December 23, 2022

The symptoms in this case, including chest pain, mimicked cardiac ischemia.

This presentation underscores the diverse etiologies of esophageal thermal injury.

Implications:

Clinicians should consider candy cane esophagus in the differential diagnosis of chest pain, particularly when cardiac causes are suspected.
Recognizing this association is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate patient management.
This case expands the known causes of thermal esophageal injury beyond hot liquid ingestion.