Candida Pharyngo-laryngo-esophagitis

A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Candida albicans is a common inhabitant of the throat and not ordinarily a pathogen. But in debilitated seniles and infants, in immunodeficient diseases, in the presence of altered normal flora by antibiotics, or in the condition of lowered host resistance by the therapy cf corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs and antitumor drugs, candida albicans may become pathogenic. In Japan candida pharyngolaryngitis has been often reported, but candida pharyngo-laryngo-esophagitis was not documented in literature.
Recently we experienced a rare case of candida pharyngo-laryngo-esophagitis. The patient visited our clinic for evaluation of hoarseness. Under indirect laryngoscopy the larynx and pharynx were covered with whitish coating, and the surrounding mucous membrane was reddish and swollen. Histopathologically fungus was revealed and mycologically candida albicans was identified. The cobble stone pattern in esophagogram and a fiberscopic study of the esophagus led to the final diagnosis as candida pharyngo-laryngo-esophagitis. The patient was treated by intravenous drip of amphotericin B, and complete remission was obtained within one month. Related literature was reviewed and discussed.