Esophageal lichen planus: case report and review of the literature

Involvement of the esophagus by lichen planus is a rarely reported condition. The histologic features of esophageal lichen planus, which may differ from those of cutaneous disease, have only rarely been illustrated. We describe a 58-year-old woman with skin and oral lichen planus who presented with dysphagia and an esophageal stricture that were ultimately diagnosed as esophageal lichen planus. Multiple esophageal biopsies demonstrated a lichenoid, T cell-rich lymphocytic infiltrate, along with degeneration of the basal epithelium and Civatte bodies. Correct diagnosis of esophageal lichen planus is critical because of its prognostic and therapeutic distinction from other more common causes of esophagitis and stricture formation.