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Infective Esophagitis: a Review of Esophageal Diseases in HIV

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Esophageal diseases are a common manifestation of HIV infection, and in some cases may be the first presentation of an underlying, severely immunocompromised state. The esophagus may be the site of the first acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)–defining opportunistic illness in a large number of patients, and this review highlights varying clinical presentations and symptoms of esophageal diseases in HIV.

Recent Findings

Infective esophagitis often signals the onset of symptomatic HIV infection and endoscopic evaluation with biopsies is instrumental in their diagnosis and management. As esophageal diseases in HIV are present, there is notable advancement in the diagnostic approach and pharmacotherapeutics.

Summary

This review briefly highlights various esophageal diseases related to underlying HIV infection and outlines recent updates in diagnosis, management, and available treatment options.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gastroenterology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, USA

    Aleem Azal Ali BSc MBBS & Ron Schey MD FACG

  2. Internal Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, USA

    Kimberly Sanders DO, Anna Marie McCarthy MD MPH & Kintin Ng DO

  3. Pathology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, USA

    Ahmad Alkhasawneh MD

  4. Infectious Disease, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, USA

    Carmen Isache MD

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Correspondence to Aleem Azal Ali BSc MBBS.

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Aleem Azal Ali declares no conflict of interest.

Kimberly Sanders declares no conflict of interest.

Anna Marie McCarthy declares no conflict of interest.

Kintin Ng declares no conflict of interest.

Ahmad Alkhasawneh declares no conflict of interest.

Carmen Isache declares no conflict of interest.

Ron Schey declares no conflict of interest.

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Ali, A.A., Sanders, K., McCarthy, A.M. et al. Infective Esophagitis: a Review of Esophageal Diseases in HIV. Curr Treat Options Gastro 22, 1–14 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11938-023-00435-z

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