Esophageal moniliasis: a new radiographic presentation

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Oncology

Background:

• Esophageal moniliasis, typically presenting as diffuse inflammation or pseudomembranes, is a common opportunistic infection in immunocompromised individuals.
• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) are conditions associated with significant immune suppression, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
• The spectrum of esophageal infections in patients with AIDS is broad, but specific clinical presentations can vary.

Observation:

• Two patients diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and Kaposi's sarcoma presented with a unique clinical manifestation.
• The primary symptom observed was the presence of solitary esophageal ulcers, an atypical finding for esophageal moniliasis.
• Endoscopic examination was crucial in visualizing these ulcers and obtaining tissue for diagnosis.

Findings:

• Endoscopic biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of esophageal moniliasis in both patients despite the unusual presentation.
• The solitary esophageal ulcers represented a previously unreported manifestation of this fungal infection.
• Clinical and radiographic features associated with this specific presentation were documented.

Implications:

• This case report expands the known clinical spectrum of esophageal moniliasis, particularly in the context of advanced HIV/AIDS.
• Recognizing solitary esophageal ulcers as a potential sign of esophageal moniliasis is important for timely diagnosis and treatment in immunocompromised patients.
• Further research may be warranted to understand the pathogenesis and prevalence of this specific manifestation.