Esophageal Stenosis in a Patient with Lichen Planus

Abstract

Lichen planus is a chronic, idiopathic disorder which usually affects skin and mucosal surfaces. While oral mucosa is frequently involved, esophageal localization is uncommon, and it usually manifests with dysphagia. It has also been associated with squamous cell carcinoma. Underdiagnosing of esophageal lichen planus often leads to a delay in treatment. There are also no clear recommendations for treatment of this disorder. Systemic corticosteroids are usually the first-line therapy, but different other therapeutic approaches are also used, with a various rate of response. We present the case of a patient with esophageal lichen planus complicated with esophageal stenosis, who was rather resistant to treatment.

Keywords

• Lichen planus
• Esophagus
• Stenosis