PEPTIC ESOPHAGITIS

Abstract

The causes of esophagitis are usually given as follows: Irritative (mechanical, thermal and chemical irritants, including alcohol and tobacco). Specific (syphilis, tuberculosis, actinomycosis). Secondary as a complication of (<i>a</i>) cardiospasm, (<i>b</i>) diverticula or (<i>c</i>) neoplasms. Recently I have observed some patients with a type of esophagitis that does not seem to fit into this classification. The features of these cases are so distinctive as to impress one with the probability that they form a separate clinical entity. They are, therefore, presented for consideration. <h3>REPORT OF CASES</h3><h3>Case 1.—</h3> S. P., a man, aged 77, for three years had complained of typical symptoms of duodenal ulcer; viz., late hunger pains, some nausea and sour vomiting. He presented a deformed duodenal bulb radiographically. This attack was relieved by a Sippy regimen. Three months later the symptoms of duodenal ulcer returned. In addition he complained of dysphagia with lower substernal