The current state of esophageal lichen planus.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review article is to: describe the clinical manifestations of esophageal lichen planus (ELP), understand its epidemiological risk factors, elaborate the common endoscopic and histopathologic findings of ELP, summarize current thinking on treatment and surveillance, and understand the long-term sequelae of ELP.

RECENT FINDINGS: A combination of clinical, endoscopic, and histopathologic findings are required to make a diagnosis of ELP. While there is no consensus on management of ELP, there is evidence of clinical and endoscopic improvement with the use of topical steroids among other therapies. There is a known risk of malignant transformation of ELP to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

SUMMARY: ELP is an idiopathic condition that primarily affects Caucasian females ages 50-70 years. This review of current literature suggests that a combination of clinical, endoscopic, and histologic findings are required to make a diagnosis; topical steroids with or without esophageal dilation show overall improvement of ELP; and endoscopic surveillance to monitor for ESCC is recommended.