ENT: Oesophageal Candidiasis: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Oesophageal Candidiasis🎧 A clear, high-yield breakdown of this fungal oesophageal infection in immunocompromised patients – perfect for exam prep and real-life clinical scenarios.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• Fungal infection of the oesophagus caused by Candida, most commonly C. albicans.📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Immunocompromise (HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, organ transplant)• Diabetes mellitus• Long-term antibiotic or corticosteroid use• Poor oral hygiene, malnutrition• Central venous catheters, TPN• High oestrogen states (e.g., pregnancy, OCP)🧠 Mnemonic: “AID-PATCH” = AIDS, Immunosuppressants, Diabetes, Poor hygiene, Antibiotics, TPN, Cancer, Hormonal states📌 Pathophysiology• Candida overgrows and invades the oesophageal mucosa• Leads to inflammation, pain, and white plaques• In severe cases, can infiltrate deeper layers📌 Symptoms• Odynophagia (pain on swallowing)• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)• Retrosternal chest pain• Nausea, weight loss, oral thrush💡 Classic combo = HIV + oral thrush + odynophagia📌 Differential Diagnosis• GORD• Herpes/CMV oesophagitis• Eosinophilic oesophagitis• Oesophageal cancer• Corrosive ingestion📌 Diagnosis• Gold standard: Endoscopy with biopsy & fungal culture• White plaques visible on endoscopy• Fluconazole trial: useful in known high-risk patients🚨 Serology not helpful – Candida is part of normal flora📌 Management• First-line: Oral fluconazole (200–400 mg daily)• Second-line: Itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole• Consider IV therapy and hospitalisation in severe cases• In HIV patients: Start/continue ART to restore immunity📌 Complications• Oesophageal strictures• Perforation• Systemic candidiasis in severe immunocompromise• Recurrence if underlying cause not addressed📌 Prognosis• Generally excellent with antifungal treatment• Recurrence risk if immune suppression remains unmanaged📎 More MSRA Resources for Oesophageal Candidiasis📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/oesophageal-candidiasis-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/oesophageal-candidiasis-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/oesophageal-candidiasis-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/oesophageal-candidiasis-rapid-quiz/🎓 Full Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/ent-for-the-msra/Hashtags#MSRA #MSRARevision #MSRATextbook #MSRAQuiz #MSRAQuestionBank #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQ&ANotes #MSRAAccordions #MultiSpecialityRecruitmentAssessment #MSRAOnlineRevision #MSRARevisionWebsite #ENT #OesophagealCandidiasis