Which statement best describes endoscopic findings in candidal esophagitis?

Which statement best describes endoscopic findings in candidal esophagitis?

• A. Erythematous mucosa with shallow ulcers.
• B. White plaques or pseudomembranes; odynophagia, especially in immunocompromised patients.
• C. Normal mucosa with subtle color changes.
• D. Strictures with ulcerations.

Answer: (B)

White plaques or pseudomembranes adherent to the esophageal mucosa are the hallmark endoscopic finding in candidal esophagitis. These plaques can often be scraped away, revealing a potentially erythematous, inflamed surface beneath. Odynophagia is a common accompanying symptom, especially in immunocompromised patients, which helps distinguish candida from other esophagitis patterns. The other descriptions don’t capture this classic appearance: erythematous mucosa with shallow ulcers can occur with other infections (like herpes) or reflux, normal mucosa with subtle color changes is nonspecific, and strictures with ulcerations imply a longer, different disease process rather than acute candidal infection.

White plaques or pseudomembranes adherent to the esophageal mucosa are the hallmark endoscopic finding in candidal esophagitis. These plaques can often be scraped away, revealing a potentially erythematous, inflamed surface beneath. Odynophagia is a common accompanying symptom, especially in immunocompromised patients, which helps distinguish candida from other esophagitis patterns. The other descriptions don’t capture this classic appearance: erythematous mucosa with shallow ulcers can occur with other infections (like herpes) or reflux, normal mucosa with subtle color changes is nonspecific, and strictures with ulcerations imply a longer, different disease process rather than acute candidal infection.