Mycobacterial esophagitis in AIDS.

A patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) who presented with dysphagia is described. Barium swallow demonstrated diffuse esophagitis with longitudinal ulceration and sinus tracts to the mediastinum. Mycobacteria were seen on esophageal biopsies and Mycobacterium tuberculosis was cultured from a pleural effusion. Mycobacterial esophagitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of esophagitis in AIDS, particularly when sinus tracts are demonstrated.