suppurative esophagitis

When the esophageal mucosa is damaged, purulent inflammation caused by pyogenic bacteria invading the esophageal mucosa is termed suppurative esophagitis. It most often occurs secondary to esophageal mucosal injury resulting from foreign bodies or instrumental examination. Suppurative esophagitis may be a localized lesion, typically forming one or more submucosal abscesses, which can heal spontaneously once the abscess drains into the esophageal lumen. The infection may also spread, causing esophageal cellulitis, and can involve periesophageal tissues and the mediastinum or adjacent thoracic cavity, leading to fistula formation.