Abstract
The present study was designed to determine the frequency of candidal esophagitis in cancer patients with oral thrush. Patients with clinically and microbiologically diagnosed oral candidiasis were evaluated by endoscopy for concurrent esophageal candidiasis. Esophageal involvement was documented by mucosal lesions, microbiological findings of candidal infection in smears of brushing material, positive cultures of brushing material, and histological evidence of mucosal invasion by the yeast. For 21 of the 22 patients studied, there were endoscopic and microbiological findings of candidal esophagitis. Cultures of the brushing material from all 22 patients were positive, while histological evidence was found for 14 patients. Only 10 of the patients had mild esophageal symptoms. It is concluded that oral thrush represents a reliable marker for esophageal candidiasis in patients with cancer. Routine endoscopy is not necessary to confirm the diagnosis; this procedure should be reserved for patients with persistent thrush and symptoms despite antifungal therapy.
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
