Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis: radiologic abnormalities in the esophagus

Abstract

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis is a disorder characterized by chronic recurrent infection with Candida. The esophagus may be involved, resulting in chronic candidal esophagitis, which is clinically and radiographically distinct from acute candidal esophagitis. The clinical and radiographic features of four new and four previously reported cases are presented. Esopahgeal narrowing was found in all patients; it was focal in six and diffuse in two. Motor abnormalities were common, but mucosal changes seen characteristically in acute candidal esophagitis were unusual. Esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis was documented in one patient, substantiating the belief that Candida may be the etiologic agent in some patients with this condition.