Effective esophageal balloon dilation for esophageal stenosis in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

Eur J Pediatr Surg. 2006 Apr;16(2):115-9. doi: 10.1055/s-2006-923991.

Abstract

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is an inherited disorder of squamous epithelium that results in dystrophic scarring of the skin after minor trauma. RDEB is classified into two subtypes: Hallopeau-Siemens (HS) and non-Hallopeau-Siemens (nHS). Although severe scarring of the skin is the most common and obvious complication of the disease, esophageal scarring with formation of long strictures may also develop. Treatment options for esophageal stenosis in patients with RDEB include steroids, hyperalimentation, esophageal dilation and replacement. This report describes a child who was dilated immediately after diagnosis of severe esophageal stenosis subsequent to nHS-RDEB and managed successfully. Endoscopic esophageal balloon dilation under fluoroscopic control was very useful for detecting the region of stenosis and bougienage. The literature on such injuries is reviewed here, and the problems associated with the treatment of children with esophageal stenosis associated with RDEB are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Catheterization / methods*
  • Child
  • Deglutition Disorders / etiology
  • Deglutition Disorders / therapy
  • Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica / complications*
  • Esophageal Stenosis / etiology
  • Esophageal Stenosis / pathology
  • Esophageal Stenosis / therapy*
  • Esophagoscopy
  • Humans
  • Male