Sloughing Esophagitis in the Pediatric Age Group: Clinicopathologic Characteristics of 12 Cases

Sloughing esophagitis (esophagitis dissecans superficialis) is a benign, self-limited condition of uncertain etiology. It is most common in adults; pediatric literature is limited.

Ten years of records were queried for esophageal biopsies containing terms "sloughing" and/or "dissecans." Histologic inclusion criteria were "two-tone" appearance, sloughing/flaking of superficial epithelium, and parakeratosis. Degree of inflammation was documented and medical records were reviewed.

Fourteen patients were identified ranging from 1 to 19 years (mean = 14 years) and included 3 males and 11 females. Two patients were excluded due to lack of histologic criteria/unavailability of slides for review. Of the 12 cases evaluated, 6 showed a classic inflammation pattern, 5 had minimal or no inflammation, and 1 displayed severe acute inflammation. Endoscopy did not correlate with histology. Sloughing esophagitis is traditionally associated with Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) use; though 5/12 patients were taking medication for anxiety or depression, only 3 were taking SSRIs. Five patients had marijuana/cannabinoid exposure.

Sloughing esophagitis can present in the pediatric population across a wide age range. Similar to the adult population, etiology may be linked to medications. Additional associations such as marijuana/cannabinoid exposure need further clinical investigation. A subset of patients had a history of or subsequently developed eosinophilic esophagitis.