Histomorphological and Immunophenotypic Features of Pill-Induced Esophagitis

Drug-induced esophagitis and helpful management for healthcare providers

In recent decades, the number of cases developing drug-induced esophagitis (DIE) has reportedly been growing, which indicates the significance of detecting medicines capable of causing this adverse reaction. This study aims to provide an updated review on recent case reports of DIE, to evaluate the possible mechanism of this side effect, and to provide helpful management. Data was gathered through searches of three databases, namely PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane. Seven drug categories were evaluated: antibiotics, bisphosphonates, cardiovascular medicines, chemotherapeutic agents, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), other medications, and supplements. According to the findings, retrosternal pain, heartburn, odynophagia, and dysphagia are typical symptoms of DIE, and in most cases, DIE is a self-limiting side effect which can be resolved by removing the causative agent and providing supportive therapy.

Amoxycillin-Clavulanic Acid-Induced Esophageal Ulcer: An Unusual Cause

Pill-induced esophagitis or esophageal ulcers are considered when patients have retrosternal chest pain or odynophagia following the ingestion of suspicious medications. Various drugs have been reported to induce esophageal ulcers. However, amoxycillin-clavulanic acid-induced esophagitis or esophageal ulcer has not been reported in literature. Hence, we report the case of a 30-year-old Thai male who presented with acute, severe odynophagia and retrosternal chest pain. He had a history of taking amoxycillin-clavulanic acid for 12 days. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed and revealed geographic clean-based ulcers, with a kissing-ulcer appearance at the level of the mid-esophagus. A biopsy was taken and revealed inflamed granulation tissue and an ulcer with neither infection nor malignancy. Thus, the diagnosis of an amoxycillin-clavulanic acid-induced esophageal ulcer was made according to the clinicopathologic report.