Esophagitis in immunocompromised patients: a diagnostic challenge.

Esophagitis in an immunocompromised patient is a frequent problem that may have grave consequences. A specific etiologic diagnosis is difficult and often based upon esophageal symptoms and barium swallow. Diagnostic fallibility is demonstrated by the results of esophageal biopsy, cytology, and culture in four immunocompromised patients with similar esophageal symptoms and barium esophagogram appearance. We conclude that a specific etiologic diagnosis in such patients requires brush cytology and mucosal biopsy.