Diffuse Esophageal Squamous Papillomatosis Covering the Entire Esophagus

Detection of Human Papillomavirus in Squamous Papilloma of the Esophagus

Introduction: The etiology of esophageal squamous papilloma (ESP) is largely unknown. Previous studies have shown a variable association with human papillomavirus (HPV) with conflicting data. The aim of this study was to further investigate the possible association of HPV in our ESP series using RNA in-situ hybridization (ISH) and compare study groups from the United States of America and China. Methods: Demographic and clinical data of patients with ESP were retrieved from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) (1/2016-3/2019) and Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) (9/2014-3/2019) pathology databases. Hematoxylin and eosin slides were reexamined. Confirmed cases were examined by high- and low-risk HPV RNA ISH. Results: For the UCLA cohort, 13 429 upper endoscopies were performed and 78 biopsies from 72 patients were identified as ESP (F:M = 45:27, 66.7% > 45 years). Seventy-four (94.9%) biopsies were designated as polyps or nodules and 46.6% were located in the mid-esophagus. Other abnormal findings included gastroesophageal reflux disease (48.6%), hiatal hernia (38.9%), and esophagitis (36.1%). For the PUMCH cohort, 63 754 upper endoscopies were performed and 73 biopsies from 71 patients were identified as ESP (F:M = 48:23, 71.8% > 45 years). Sixty-four (87.7%) biopsies were designated as polyps or nodules and 57.5% were located in the mid-esophagus. Other abnormal findings included esophagitis (19.7%), and hiatal hernia (8.5%). No features of conventional cytologic dysplasia or viral cytopathic change were found. None of the cases was associated with squamous cell carcinoma, and none showed positive HPV RNA ISH results. Conclusions: No association was found between ESP and active HPV infection in our 2 cohorts. Other etiopathogenetic mechanisms, such as aging, might contribute to the development of these innocent lesions.

Gastrointestinal: Distal esophageal squamous papillomatosis in a healthy 47-year-old man

A 47-year-old man with a background history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and seasonal asthma underwent a gastroscopy for further investigation. Endoscopy revealed numerous polypoid lesions diffusely distributed in the lower third of the esophagus, with histology revealing squamous papilloma with occasional intraepithelial lymphocytes. The diagnosis was esophageal squamous papillomatosis (ESP), which is a rare condition characterized by exophytic and circumferential projections with friable mucosa diffusely spread through the esophagus with unclear etiology and malignancy risk.

Esophageal papillomatosis: an exceedingly rare disease

If esophageal papilloma (EP) is a rare condition, esophageal papillomatosis (EPS) is a distinct rarity. To date, only 53 well documented cases have been described in English literature. However, the number of reports on EPS significantly increased to over 40 cases during the past 20 years. Perhaps, this is due to the broad use of endoscopy and related research achievements. Most of the cases are individual and it seems that there are no associations between them. And up to now no guidelines can be followed. To further understand this exceedingly rare disease, we had a comprehensive review of the epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, treatment, and clinical course of EPS.

[Evaluation and management of infectious esophagitis in immunocompromised patients and immunocompetent individuals]

Among the many causes of the inflammatory process in the esophagus, infectious diseases are becoming increasingly important due to their steady growth. Previously esophageal infections have traditionally been associated with immunodeficiency syndromes, but now in clinical practice, these disorders are becoming increasingly recognized in immunocompetent individuals. Early diagnosis of infectious esophagitis is necessary to develop effective treatment tactics, and, as a result, reduce the risk of complications and adverse outcomes of the disease. This study reviewed the most clinical relevant pathogens of infectious esophagitis, both among patients with immunodeficiency and among healthy individuals. Specific diagnostic, risk factors, clinical presentation and therapeutic features were considered depending on the immune status of patients.

Successful Treatment of Extensive Esophageal Squamous Papillomatosis With Cryotherapy

Esophageal squamous papilloma is a rare endoscopic finding, and esophageal squamous papillomatosis (ESP) is considered exceptionally rare, with only a limited number of cases reported to date. There is a paucity of literature about the management of these lesions, and it remains largely controversial. We report a 61-year-old man who presented for endoscopic treatment of ESP detected during endoscopic evaluation for heartburn. Given the potential risk of malignant transformation, a decision was made to proceed with spray cryoablation, requiring a total of 3 sessions of ablative therapy. The histopathological assessment confirmed the diagnosis, and the specimens tested negative for all low- and high-risk human papillomavirus subtypes. Follow-up endoscopies revealed near-complete resolution. To our knowledge, the present report describes the second successful treatment of ESP using endoscopic spray cryotherapy.

Infections of the esophagus: an update on risk factors, diagnosis, and management

Infectious esophagitis is a leading cause of esophagitis worldwide. While esophageal infections have traditionally been associated with immunocompromised patients, these disorders are becoming increasingly recognized in immunocompetent individuals. The three most common etiologies of infectious esophagitis are Candida, herpes simplex virus, and cytomegalovirus. Human papilloma virus infection can also involve the esophagus in the form of ulcerative lesions and papillomas. Less common etiologies include various other fungal, bacterial, and viral organisms. This review provides a comprehensive update on risk factors, diagnosis, and management of both common and less common infections of the esophagus.