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World J Gastrointest Endosc. Jul 16, 2010; 2(7): 252-256
Published online Jul 16, 2010. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v2.i7.252
Esophagitis dissecans superficialis and autoimmune bullous dermatoses: A review
Akira Hokama, Yu-ichi Yamamoto, Kiyohito Taira, Mitsuteru Nakamura, Chiharu Kobashigawa, Manabu Nakamoto, Tetsuo Hirata, Nagisa Kinjo, Fukunori Kinjo, Kenzo Takahashi, Jiro Fujita
Akira Hokama, Tetsuo Hirata, Jiro Fujita, Department of Infectious, Respiratory and Digestive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0125, Japan
Yu-ichi Yamamoto, Kiyohito Taira, Kenzo Takahashi, Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0125, Japan
Mitsuteru Nakamura, Chiharu Kobashigawa, Manabu Nakamoto, Nagisa Kinjo, Fukunori Kinjo, Department of Endoscopy, University Hospital of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0125, Japan
Author contributions: Hokama A wrote the manuscript; Yamamoto Y and Taira K treated the patients; Hokama A, Nakamura M, Kobashigawa C, Nakamoto M, Hirata T and Kinjo N performed the endoscopic examinations; and Kinjo F, Takahashi K and Fujita J supervised treatment of the patients and preparation of the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Akira Hokama, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Infectious, Respiratory and Digestive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0125, Japan. hokama-a@med.u-ryukyu.ac.jp
Telephone: +81-98-8951144 Fax: +81-98-8951414
Received: May 5, 2010
Revised: June 23, 2010
Accepted: June 30, 2010
Published online: July 16, 2010
Abstract

Esophagitis dissecans superficialis (EDS) is a rare and severe endoscopic finding characterized by sloughing of large fragments of esophageal mucosal lining. Although EDS has been reported in association with serious illnesses and certain medications, the pathophysiological association of autoimmune bullous dermatoses with EDS has gained remarkable attention. Among these dermatoses, pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigoid frequently present with various types of esophageal involvement including EDS. We review the pathophysiology and clinical features of this involvement with the presentation of our experiences. The importance of endoscopic evaluation of this entity is discussed.

Keywords: Esophagitis dissecans superficialis, Endoscopy, Autoimmune bullous dermatoses, Pemphigus vulgaris, Mucous membrane pemphigoid, Bullous pemphigoid, Desmoglein