Drug-induced Esophagitis as Rare Cause of Dysphagia in Adolescent Patients: Four Case Reports

Drug-induced esophagitis (DIE) is a rare condition and doxycycline is responsible for more than 50% of the cases. Most cases can be prevented and treated conservatively. In this case series, four patients with DIE that treated at our center will be presented. Four adolescents, aged 14, 16, 16, and 17 years, presented to the clinic with complaints of dysphagia and odynophagia. All patients had a history of oral doxycycline use for acne vulgaris. Upper GI endoscopy revealed erosions and ulcers in the thoracic esophagus in two cases and in the distal esophagus in the other two cases. All patients were managed conservatively, and follow-up endoscopy showed no development of strictures. DIE should be considered in the differential diagnosis of adolescents presenting with dysphagia and odynophagia. Proper education about medication use can reduce the risk of developing esophagitis.