title: Esophagitis Dissecans Superficialis: Clinical, Endoscopic, and Histologic Features.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Esophagitis dissecans superficialis (EDS) is a desquamative disorder of the esophagus, but there is a paucity of the literature regarding this condition.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We examined our institution's experience to further characterize clinical outcomes, and endoscopic and histopathologic features.
  
  
  METHODS
  Endoscopy and pathology databases were retrospectively reviewed from 2000 to 2013 at Mayo Clinic Rochester to identify potential cases of EDS. Medical records and endoscopic images were reviewed to identify cases, and original pathologic specimens were also reviewed. Clinical, endoscopic, and histologic characteristics of EDS were defined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-one subjects were identified with a median age at diagnosis of 65.0 years (IQR 52.8-76.1) and a female preponderance (63.4 %). Many patients were taking a psychoactive agent (73.1 %) or acid-suppressive therapy (58.5 %) preceding the index endoscopy. Strips of sloughed membranes had a predilection for the distal and/or middle esophagus and resolved in 85.7 % of subjects at endoscopic follow-up. Parakeratosis and intraepithelial splitting were histologic features seen in all patients, while splitting of the connective tissue and intraepithelial bullae were seen in 46.2 and 11.1 %, respectively. There were no disease-related complications at a median follow-up of 10.4 months (IQR 1.2-17.2).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EDS is likely under-recognized. A distinct endoscopic feature of EDS is "sloughing" strips of mucosa with parakeratosis and intraepithelial splitting being sine qua non histologic findings. The use of psychoactive agents (particularly a SSRI or SNRI) was prevalent at endoscopic diagnosis, although the clinical relevance of this is uncertain. EDS appears to be a benign, incidental finding without complications.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
authors.forename: Phil A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Hart
authors.forename: Ryan C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Romano
authors.forename: Roger K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Moreira
authors.forename: Karthik
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ravi
authors.forename: Seth
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sweetser
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D004941:Esophagitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs