1756 Evolution of Esophageal Lichen Planus to Esophageal Leukoplakia

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: To describe a case of esophageal lichen planus which appeared to evolve to leukoplakia (aka epidermoid metaplasia). CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 70 yo female with a prior history of lichen planus, presented from another institution for ongoing care related to proximal esophageal stricturing. The patient had well-documented lichen planus involving the oral and vaginal mucosae and axillary areas. Dysphagia had been ongoing for greater than a decade and prior endoscopic exams revealed the proximal esophagus to be of small caliber with proximal esophageal strictures/rings. Biopsies had shown nonspecific change. On some occasions an ultrathin gastroscope was required to traverse the proximal esophagus. The patient underwent numerous sessions of Savary dilation and given oral lichen planus, it was assumed that this process was also responsible for the proximal esophageal pathology. She was treated with periodic esophageal dilation and topical budesonide. Recently after the above therapy, dysphagia had resolved, and the patient was ingesting a normal diet. The esophagus was found to be of more normal caliber endoscopically (strictures were no longer evident) and prominent whitish proximal esophageal plaques were now noted (Figure 1). Proximal esophageal biopsies now revealed hyperorthokeratosis with hypergranulosis, but no inflammatory process or Civatte bodies (apoptotic keratinocytes). As such, recent endoscopic and pathologic findings were thought to be most consistent with esophageal leukoplakia/epidermoid metaplasia. Topical budesonide was continued for her oral lichen planus, but it was now recommended that it be administered in a "swish and spit" manner. Given the association of esophageal leukoplakia with squamous dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma, the patient was placed in an endoscopic surveillance program. She has recently remained asymptomatic from the esophageal perspective. DISCUSSION: Lichen planus and leukoplakia (epidermoid metaplasia) involving the esophagus are distinct clinical, endoscopic and pathologic processes- both of which appear to have a female predominance, and potential association with squamous cell carcinoma. The esophageal disease in patient under discussion appeared to evolve from one of these processes to the other, raising the specter of an association between these disorders.

Integrative Effects and Vagal Mechanisms of Transcutaneous Electrical Acustimulation on Gastroesophageal Motility in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

“…Ribolsi et al (9) reported a lower distal contractile integral (DCI) in patients with reflux esophagitis than that in patients with NERD. Another study indicated that the amount of reflux was associated with esophageal dysmotility in patients with systemic sclerosis (10). Esophageal motility dysfunction was reported to cause delayed esophageal emptying and prolonged esophageal exposure to acid and gastric juice, which ultimately lead to esophageal mucosal damages, inflammation, and reflux-related symptoms (11).…”