Esophagitis

Esophagitis (or Oesophagitis) is inflammation of the esophagus.

Common Causes

 * The most common cause is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If caused by GERD, the diseases is also called reflux esophagitis.
 * Other causes of esophagitis include infections (most commonly candida, herpes simplex and cytomegalovirus). These infections are typically seen in immunocompromised people, such as those with HIV.
 * Food allergies have also been known to cause esophagitis
 * Chemical injury by alkaline or acid solutions may also cause esophagitis, and is usually seen in children or in adults who attempt suicide.
 * Physical injury resulting from radiation therapy or by nasogastric tubes may also be responsible.

Complete Differential Diagnosis
In alphabetical order.


 * Bacterial infection
 * Candida
 * Caustic burn
 * Crohn's Disease
 * Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
 * Drugs, toxins
 * Fungal infection
 * Gastric tube
 * Gastroesophageal reflux
 * Gastroscopy
 * Hernias
 * Herpes
 * Metastasis
 * Radiation
 * Surgery
 * Tumor
 * Vomiting

X-ray Findings
(Images shown below are courtesy of RadsWiki)

Endoscopic Findings
Images courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology

Pathological Findings
Images courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology

Histopathological Findings: Herpes esophagitis
