Abstract
This case of diffuse candidasis in the esophagus and gastric remnants had no underlying disease. The patient was a 56-year-old man who had undergone gastrectomy because of duodenal ulcer 6 months before. He was admitted to the hospital for nausea, vomitting and discomfort in the epigastrium. Endoscopy revealed scattered whitish exudate like small protrusions and deep red mucosa from the middle esophagus to the residual stomach, which suggested candidasis. After Candida was detected by biopsy, oral nystatin treatment was begun. The symptoms were relieved by day 3, and the whitish exudate and mucosal redness disappeared about a week later. Since Candida is a normal flora, occurrence of the condition is usually related to the presence of an underlying disease. Recently, some studies have reported that candidasis that developed in the esophagus and stomach was associated with hypoacidity induced by anti-ulcer drugs. Because patients who undergo gastrectomy also suffer hypoacidity, follow up should not overlook this potential problem.
