The Pan African Medical Journal (Aug 2019)

Candida albicans: a cause or a consequence of esophageal intramural pseudo-diverticulosis

  • Imen Akkari,
  • Elhem Ben Jazia,
  • Soumaya Mrabet,
  • Imen Jemni

DOI
https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2019.33.280.19601
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 33, no. 280

Abstract

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Esophageal intramural pseudo-diverticulosis is a rare disease of unknown etiology. It is characterized by multiple pseudodiverticula with segmental or diffuse involvement of the esophagus. We report, the case of a 78-year-old male who suffered from severe dysphagia. Diagnosis of esophageal intramural pseudo-diverticulosis was based on endoscopic and radiologic explorations. Histological analysis of esophageal mucosal biopsies has shown the presence of candida albicans. Antifungal treatment leads to spectacular improvement of dysphasia. Subsequently, the patient presented a cardio-respiratory failure and died despite adequate treatment.

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