Drug-Induced Esophagitis

Abstract

Although drugs have been administered since antiquity, esophageal injuries caused directly by prolonged contact with tablets or capsules have only recently been recognized. The first case of esophageal ulceration following oral potassium therapy was described in 1970 [37]. Since then, many cases have been reported in the literature, and more than 50 drugs have been involved. Drug-induced esophagitis is observed only rarely, occurring in less than 1% of cases [18]. A survey of a population of 700,000 over a 4-year period in Sweden reported an incidence of 3,9 cases per 100,000 population per year [11]. Nevertheless, the incidence may be underestimated. Many cases are not reported since the course is usually favorable, and many more are probably unrecognized or attributed to other esophageal diseases, in spite of characteristic clinical features and endoscopic findings [7, 21]. Esophagoscopy is necessary for diagnosis, control of the complete mucosal healing, and detection of distant complications.