Esophageal stricture

A pathologic, often segmental narrowing of the esophageal lumen causing fixed mechanical obstruction and progressive dysphagia, with risk of food impaction and secondary motility disturbances proximal to the lesion.

Causes

• Chronic inflammatory disorders

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

  • Eosinophilic esophagitis

  • Corrosive ingestion

  • Scleroderma-associated esophageal injury

• Radiation-induced fibrosis

• Esophageal cancer

• Iatrogenic and traumatic causes

  • Endoscopic injury

  • Anastomotic stricture after esophageal surgery

• Congenital esophageal narrowing (rare)