The role of upper endoscopy in identifying oesophageal involvement in patients with oral pemphigus vulgaris

Abstract Background and aims. The involvement of oesophagus in pemphigus vulgaris is still debated. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of oesophageal involvement and the gastro-duodenal mucosa appearance before and after high-dose corticosteroid therapy in a group of patients with oral pemphigus vulgaris. Methods. We prospectively studied 28 consecutive patients with oral pemphigus by oesophageal symptom standardised questionnaire, upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy, exfoliative cytology and histological biopsy. After clinical remission, all patients underwent new endoscopy. Results. The prevalence of oesophageal symptoms was 57.1%. Endoscopic examination revealed oesophageal involvement with different degrees of severity in 67.8% of patients. After corticosteroid therapy, endoscopy showed normal oesophageal–gastro-duodenal mucosa. No examination-related exacerbations of the oesophageal lesions were seen. Conclusions. The upper gastro-intestinal endoscopic examination, in oral pemphigus vulgaris patients with oesophageal symptoms, is safe in skilled hands technique and a useful diagnostic tool prior to starting therapy.