Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 23, 2025

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
Published on: December 14, 2020
Esophageal Lichen Planus: A Descriptive Multicenter Report
Elizabeth S Aby1, Jason D Eckmann1, Jad Abimansour2
1Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.
Esophageal lichen planus (ELP) is a rare condition often missed. This study highlights its characteristics, frequent strictures, and varied treatments, emphasizing the need for better diagnostic suspicion and further research into effective therapies.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Esophageal lichen planus (ELP) is a rare disorder frequently misdiagnosed.
- Limited data exist on this patient population, primarily from small, single-center studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the clinical features, treatment strategies, and outcomes of patients with ELP.
- To identify common endoscopic findings and management approaches for ELP.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter, retrospective descriptive study was conducted.
- Data from 7 US centers over a 5-year period (2015-2020) were analyzed.
- Included 78 adult patients diagnosed with ELP.
Main Results:
- The study included 78 patients (65 years old, 86% female, 90% Caucasian).
- Over half had extraesophageal manifestations. Esophageal strictures (54%) and abnormal mucosa (50%) were common endoscopic findings.
- Topical steroids and proton pump inhibitors were primary treatments; steroids showed better endoscopic response. Nearly half required treatment changes.
Conclusions:
- A high index of suspicion and biopsy are crucial for diagnosing ELP, especially with extraesophageal involvement.
- Effective therapies are limited and vary; prospective studies are needed to determine optimal treatment regimens.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
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...

