Esophageal web complicating an isolated esophageal lichen planus

ABSTRACT

Lichen planus [LP] is a chronic, idiopathic disorder affecting the mucosal surfaces, skin and nails. Esophageal involvement in this disease is rare and only few cases were found in literature, thus making its diagnosis challenging as it can be easily misdiagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Currently, little is known about its pathogenesis and management. We report a case of a previously healthy 32-year-old female who presented with the complaint of dysphagia, which was later diagnosed endoscopically as an esophageal web. Biopsy of the lesion revealed a histological diagnosis of an esophageal lichen planus [ELP]. This was treated with multiple Esophagogastro Duodenoscopy [OGD] dilatation sessions and local steroids. We also reviewed similar reported cases in the literature, stressing on the importance of the successful management of such a disease and its complications