Esophageal involvement of lichen planus is an under-reported and under-diagnosed manifestation that should prompt immediate treatment given its high rate of complications. We highlight a rare case of a 62-year-old Caucasian woman with history of known oral lichen planus and esophageal strictures presumed to be secondary to gastroesophageal reflux disease, that presented with esophageal food impaction resulting in perforation and subsequent pneumomediastinum after esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Further workup, including a repeat EGD, revealed that the esophageal strictures were rather a complication of lichen planus. The patient was started on oral, topical steroids and underwent serial esophageal dilations with improvement. Esophageal lichen planus should be high on the differential, especially in patients with involvement of other mucous membranes and strictures refractory to therapy. Complications such as recurrent esophageal strictures and perforation may be preventable with early diagnosis and adequate treatment.
Keywords: dermatologic manifestations; esophageal lichen planus; esophageal perforation; esophageal stricture; pneumomediastinum.
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