RT Journal
A1 Laine L, Bonacini M
T1 ESophageal disease in human immunodeficiency virus infection
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 1994
FD July 25
VO 154
IS 14
SP 1577
OP 1582
DO 10.1001/archinte.1994.00420140042005
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinte.1994.00420140042005
AB Up to 40% of patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome may develop symptoms of esophageal disease. Candida esophagitis is responsible for the majority of the cases of esophageal disease; cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, idiopathic esophageal ulcers, and Kaposi's sarcoma account for most of the remaining cases. Although endoscopy with esophageal biopsy and brushing is the gold standard for the diagnosis of esophageal disease in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, we generally recommend initial empiric therapy with an antifungal agent in patients with esophageal symptoms. Since effective treatment is available for most cases of esophageal disease in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, we recommend endoscopic evaluation in patients who do not respond to empiric therapy within 1 to 2 weeks. (Arch Intern Med. 1994;154:1577-1582)