Esophageal Candidiasis - Diagnosis

Diagnosis

In most cases the diagnosis is established based on response to therapy. Patients where esophageal candidiasis is suspected should receive a brief course of antifungal therapy with fluconazole. If the infection resolves after treatment with fluconazole, then the diagnosis of esophageal candidiasis is made and no further investigation is needed. However, if the infection persists or if there are other factors involved which may warrant further investigation, then patient will undergo an esophagogastroduodenoscopy if it is safe to do so. Endoscopy often reveals classic diffuse raised plaques that characteristically can be removed from the mucosa by the endsocope. Brushing or biopsy of the plaques shows yeast and pseudohyphae by histology that are characteristic of Candida species.

• A severe case of candidiasis

• H&E stain of esophagus showing Candida hyphae within the lamina propria