Esophageal lichen planus - Case report and review of the literature

Involvement of the esophagus by lichen planus is a rarely reported conditio n. The histologic features of esophageal lichen planus, which may differ fr om those of cutaneous disease, have only rarely been illustrated. We descri be a 58-year-old woman with skin and oral lichen planus who presented with dysphagia and an esophageal stricture that were ultimately diagnosed as eso phageal lichen planus. Multiple esophageal biopsies demonstrated a lichenoi d, T cell-rich lymphocytic infiltrate, along with degeneration of the basal epithelium and Civatte bodies. Correct diagnosis of esophageal lichen plan us is critical because of its prognostic and therapeutic distinction from o ther more common causes of esophagitis and stricture formation.