Treatment of Esophageal Stricture in Pemphigus or Pemphigoid Disease

This protocol covers esophageal stricture arising as a complication of pemphigus or pemphigoid disease affecting the esophagus — a specific and technically demanding presentation that requires targeted management beyond treating the underlying autoimmune condition alone.

Pemphigus is an autoimmune disorder caused by autoantibodies that target desmosomes, compromising cell-to-cell adhesion and causing blistering of the skin and mucous membranes. When pemphigus or pemphigoid disease affects the esophagus, stricture formation may follow. Initial management is directed at the underlying disease, often with systemic steroids and immunotherapy.

For esophageal strictures that do not resolve with systemic treatment of the underlying disease, procedural interventions targeting the stricture directly may be considered — carried out with particular caution given the fragility of the esophageal mucosa in this setting.

The complete protocol — specific procedures, sequence, and procedural considerations — is available via the link below.