Lymphocytic oesophagitis - an emerging condition with elusive aetiology

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> Lymphocytic <i>oesophagitis</i> is recently described rare condition, occurring in 1/1000 squamous oesophageal biopsies.¹ It is recognised histologically by dense peri-papillary intraepithelial lymphocytic infiltrates, spongiosis and no or scant granulocytes. <h3>Case Report</h3> We report a case of 72-year-old man with a history of Crohn's disease presenting with dysphagia and two oesophageal strictures at upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The oesophageal biopsy showed features of lymphocytic oesophagitis. His proximal stricture was traversed and the distal one was dilated without incident and he is well. The recent findings in the literature are highlighted. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Lymphocytic oesophagitis is a recently described, histologically distinct entity with an increasing incidence.² Although the symptoms and the endoscopic findings seen in histologically diagnosed lymphocytic oesophagitis show a resemblance to those found in eosinophilic oesophagitis, the clinical significance of lymphocytic oesophagitis remains poorly understood. With increasing recognition, the aetiology and associations of this condition may become clear. Therefore, it is prudent for pathologists to recognise and report lymphocytic oesophagitis with reference to the current literature and discuss the result with the clinicians.