Which statement best describes endoscopic findings in candidal esophagitis?

• A. Erythematous mucosa with shallow ulcers.
• B. White plaques or pseudomembranes; odynophagia, especially in immunocompromised patients.
• C. Normal mucosa with subtle color changes.
• D. Strictures with ulcerations.

Answer: (B)

White plaques or pseudomembranes adherent to the esophageal mucosa are the hallmark endoscopic finding in candidal esophagitis. These plaques can often be scraped away, revealing a potentially erythematous, inflamed surface beneath. Odynophagia is a common accompanying symptom, especially in immunocompromised patients, which helps distinguish candida from other esophagitis patterns. The other descriptions don’t capture this classic appearance: erythematous mucosa with shallow ulcers can occur with other infections (like herpes) or reflux, normal mucosa with subtle color changes is nonspecific, and strictures with ulcerations imply a longer, different disease process rather than acute candidal infection.