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

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)...

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...

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-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...

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...

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

Optimizing Histologic Entry Criteria for Clinical Trials in Celiac Disease Involving Gluten Challenge.

Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association·2026

Same author

Celiac Disease.

The New England journal of medicine·2026

Same author

Small intestinal microbial fiber metabolism dysfunction in celiac disease.

Nature communications·2026

Same author

Evaluating the Clinical Relevance of Elevated Mucosal Mast Cells in the Gastrointestinal Tract.

Journal of clinical gastroenterology·2025

Same author

Drugs in Development and Clinical Trials for Celiac Disease.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy clinics of North America·2025

Same author

Immunology in Celiac Disease.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy clinics of North America·2025

Same journal

Assessing Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 in Urothelial Carcinoma: Insights From Clinical Practice Into Scoring Criteria, Histologic Subtypes, and Genomic Characteristics Across Disease Sites.

Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine·2026

Same journal

Cross-Reactivity of TPIT Antibody Clone OTI2G1 in Chordoma: Structural Mechanisms and Diagnostic Implications.

Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine·2026

Same journal

Paracoccidioidomycosis at Autopsy: A Case Series and Literature Review.

Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine·2026

Same journal

Accuracy of Cytology Diagnosis for Well Differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumors: Assessment by the College of American Pathologists Non-Gynecologic Slide Program.

Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine·2026

Same journal

Serum Immunofixation Electrophoresis Guidance Conflict: A Call to Harmonize.

Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine·2026

Same journal

In Reply.

Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine·2026

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring

Published on: December 14, 2020

Esophageal lichen planus.

Vishal S Chandan¹, Joseph A Murray, Susan C Abraham

¹Division of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. chandan.vishal@mayo.edu

Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

|June 4, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Esophageal lichen planus is a rare condition affecting middle-aged women, often with oral involvement. Diagnosis is challenging, requiring specific histology and potentially leading to malignancy.

More Related Videos

Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Published on: May 10, 2024

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring

Published on: December 14, 2020

Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Published on: May 10, 2024

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Dermatology
Pathology

Background:

Esophageal lichen planus is an underrecognized condition, with fewer than 50 cases reported.
It predominantly affects middle-aged or older women with concurrent oral lichen planus.
Symptoms include progressive dysphagia and odynophagia, often involving the proximal esophagus.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the clinical, endoscopic, and histologic features of esophageal lichen planus.
To highlight diagnostic challenges and therapeutic implications.
To discuss the potential malignant transformation of esophageal lichen planus.

Main Methods:

Review of reported cases of esophageal lichen planus.
Analysis of clinical presentation, endoscopic findings, and histopathology.
Comparison with cutaneous lichen planus features.

Main Results:

Esophageal lichen planus presents with dysphagia and odynophagia, showing characteristic endoscopic findings like white papules and erosions.
Histologic features differ from cutaneous lichen planus, notably with parakeratosis and epithelial atrophy.
Three cases demonstrated malignant potential, developing squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusions:

Esophageal lichen planus is a distinct entity requiring specific diagnostic criteria.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management, including immunosuppressive therapy and endoscopic dilatations.
Longstanding esophageal lichen planus carries a risk of malignant transformation, necessitating vigilant monitoring.