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Gastroenterologist

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Candidiasis of the esophagus, stomach and intestines

Alexey Portnov, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024

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The most common variant is esophageal candidiasis, a specific lesion of the stomach and intestine occurs rarely. In patients with ICU, candidiasis or colonization of the gastrointestinal tract may be the cause of invasive candidiasis.

trusted-source [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]

Risk factors

The use of antibacterial drugs, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressors and cytostatics, neutropenia, AIDS, diabetes, malignant diseases, achalasia, diverticulosis and surgical treatment of the esophagus.

Symptoms of candidiasis of the esophagus, stomach and intestines

Candidiasis of the esophagus is characterized by the appearance of pain, discomfort when swallowing, especially hard or hot food, as well as unrelated to eating discomfort behind the sternum. With esophagogastroduodenoscopy, hyperemia, contact vulnerability and fibrinous plaques are revealed. The lesion is located mainly in the distal esophagus. The severity of clinical and endoscopic signs depends on the severity of immunodeficiency. Candidiasis of the esophagus can be complicated by narrowing of the esophagus, bleeding and perforation.

Candidiasis of the stomach occurs rarely, mainly as a complication of an ulcer or a stomach tumor, surgical intervention.

Candidiasis of the intestine occurs mainly on the background of receiving high doses of cytostatics in cancer patients. Role of Candida spp. In the development of diarrhea, including that arising after the use of antibacterial drugs, has not been proven.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis is based on the identification of budding cells, pseudomycelia Candida spp. In the material obtained by endoscopic examination. Patients with a high risk of invasive candidiasis (presence of risk factors, clinical signs) are shown additional examination.

trusted-source [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12]

Treatment of candidiasis of the esophagus, stomach and intestines

The basis of treatment is the use of systemic antimycotics, unabsorbed antimycotics (nystatin, etc.) are ineffective. The drug of choice is fluconazole, its use is effective in 80-95% of patients. When fluconazole is ineffective, amphotericin B, caspofungin, voriconazole are used.