Multiple White Plaques in the Esophagus: A Possible Case of Esophageal Mucosal Alteration Associated With Immune-Related Adverse Events of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Abstract

We report two cases of multiple white plaques in the esophagus that emerged after the administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Both patients developed enterocolitis as immune-related adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed duodenal involvement and multiple white plaques in the esophagus. A biopsy of the esophagus showed predominant CD3 + lymphocyte infiltration, suggesting that esophageal mucosal alterations were associated with immune-related adverse events. In addition, histopathology showed keratinized stratified squamous epithelium in the first case while increased inflammatory cell infiltration in the intraepithelial and subepithelial layers was observed in the second case. These data suggest a different pathogenesis of the multiple esophageal white plaques between the two cases. Although further investigation is needed to elucidate the significance of these observations, recognition of the esophageal plaques may be important for prompt diagnosis of immune-related adverse events when associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.