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| IJCEP Copyright © 2007-All rights reserved. |
| International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology |
Int J Clin Exp Pathol 2(2),200-203;2009
Case Report
Alendronate-induced Esophagitis in an Elderly Woman
Victoria Gómez and Shu-Yuan Xiao
Departments of Pathology and Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
Received 11 June 2008; Accepted and available online 20 June 2008
Abstract: Ingestion of alendronate sodium (Fosamax) had been reported to sometimes cause erosive or ulcerative esophagitis. Despite
its widespread use and several case reports describing the clinical and endoscopic presentation, there has been limited discussion on
the histologic appearances of the esophagitis caused by the medication. Here we describe one case of an elderly woman who presented
with alendronate-induced esophagitis. The histopathologic changes that make this case unique are the large, “bizarre” squamous
epithelial cells and scattered dyskaratotic cells, two findings not well described in previous reports. These unique features add to the
histologic spectrum of alendronate-induced esophageal injury, and shall help differentiating this type of esophagitis from those with other
etiologies. (IJCEP806006).
Key Words: Alendronate sodium, Fosamax, esophagitis
Full text PDF
Address all correspondences to: Shu-Yuan Xiao, M.D., Professor, Departments of Pathology and Internal Medicine & Institute for Human
Infections and Immunity, JSA 2.190 Route 0588, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555. Tel: 409-772-8447; Fax:
409-747-0060; Email: syxiao@utmb.edu
Case Report
Alendronate-induced Esophagitis in an Elderly Woman
Victoria Gómez and Shu-Yuan Xiao
Departments of Pathology and Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
Received 11 June 2008; Accepted and available online 20 June 2008
Abstract: Ingestion of alendronate sodium (Fosamax) had been reported to sometimes cause erosive or ulcerative esophagitis. Despite
its widespread use and several case reports describing the clinical and endoscopic presentation, there has been limited discussion on
the histologic appearances of the esophagitis caused by the medication. Here we describe one case of an elderly woman who presented
with alendronate-induced esophagitis. The histopathologic changes that make this case unique are the large, “bizarre” squamous
epithelial cells and scattered dyskaratotic cells, two findings not well described in previous reports. These unique features add to the
histologic spectrum of alendronate-induced esophageal injury, and shall help differentiating this type of esophagitis from those with other
etiologies. (IJCEP806006).
Key Words: Alendronate sodium, Fosamax, esophagitis
Full text PDF
Address all correspondences to: Shu-Yuan Xiao, M.D., Professor, Departments of Pathology and Internal Medicine & Institute for Human
Infections and Immunity, JSA 2.190 Route 0588, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555. Tel: 409-772-8447; Fax:
409-747-0060; Email: syxiao@utmb.edu