[Mycotic esophagitis - a contribution to its etiology]

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Gastroenterology
• Otolaryngology

Context:

• Esophageal mycotic pseudomembrane inflammation is a rare but serious condition.
• The study investigated the prevalence and causative agents of esophageal and laryngeal mycosis.
• Underlying conditions such as malignancy and blood disorders were common in affected patients.

Purpose:

• To determine the incidence of mycotic pseudomembrane inflammation of the esophagus.
• To identify the fungal species involved in esophageal and laryngeal mycosis.
• To explore the potential pathway of fungal dissemination from the digestive tract to the upper respiratory passages.

Summary:

• Six cases of esophageal mycotic pseudomembrane inflammation were identified, representing 0.6% of necropsies.
• Candida species were consistently isolated from affected esophagi, with co-involvement of the larynx in some cases.
• A control group of at-risk patients showed high rates of fungal colonization in the esophagus (60%) and larynx (38%), predominantly Candida albicans.

Impact:

• Highlights the association between esophageal candidiasis and upper airway mycosis.
• Underscores the importance of considering fungal infections in patients with underlying diseases.
• Suggests the digestive tract as a reservoir for fungi that can affect the respiratory system.