How to Approach Lymphocytic Esophagitis

Esophagus (J Clarke and N Ahuja, Section Editors)
First Online:
Part of the following topical collections:
  1. Topical Collection on Esophagus

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Lymphocytic esophagitis (LE) is an unusual esophageal condition defined by an increased number of lymphocytes in the esophageal epithelium. With few published studies of LE available, it is unclear whether LE is a truly distinct clinical entity or a histological manifestation of other known gastrointestinal disorders. This review summarizes recent studies of lymphocytic esophagitis.

Recent Findings

Studies have suggested that LE may be related to eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) or a manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). There is an association between LE and Crohn’s disease in children, but not in adults. Patients with LE frequently report symptoms of dysphagia and GERD. Treatment options for LE are limited and involve symptom management similar to treatment of EoE or GERD, including proton pump inhibitors (PPI), swallowed topical steroids, and endoscopic dilation.

Summary

With no formal definition and a variety of clinical presentations and endoscopic findings, diagnosis and management of symptomatic LE patients is challenging for clinicians.

Keywords

Lymphocytic esophagitis Lymphocytic oesophagitis Dysphagia Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 
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Notes

Compliance with Ethical Standards

Conflict of Interest

All authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Support: This material is the result of work supported with resources at the Dallas VA Medical Center.

VA/US Government disclaimer: The contents do not represent the views of the US Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government.

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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media New York (outside the USA) 2017

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of MedicineUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUSA
  2. 2.Esophageal Diseases Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of MedicineDallas VA Medical Center and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUSA

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