Other Forms of Esophagitis: It Is Not Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, So Now What Do I Do?

Overview

Esophagitis results from diverse causes, including gastroesophageal reflux, immune-mediated or allergic reactions, therapeutic complications, and infections. The appropriate clinical management differs in each of these situations and is often guided by pathologic interpretation of endoscopic mucosal biopsy specimens. This review summarizes the diagnostic features of unusual forms of esophagitis, including eosinophilic esophagitis, lymphocytic esophagitis, esophagitis dissecans superficialis, drug-induced esophageal injury, and bullous disorders. Differential diagnoses and distinguishing features are emphasized.