Reflux esophagitis in war-related sulfur mustard lung disease

Sulfur mustard (SM) has acute and chronic effects on skin and mucosal surfaces. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of esophagitis in a historical cohort of veterans who had been exposed to SM in Iran-Iraq war nearly 25 years ago. One hundred two veterans with dyspepsia and/or heartburn underwent esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy. Of them, 52 cases had been exposed to SM and had chronic mustard lung disease. Controls included 50 veterans without SM exposure. Esophagitis was defined according to standard criteria. 81.6% of cases and 70.6% of controls had heart burn and/or regurgitation (p= 0.224). Esophagitis was seen in 40% of cases and 26.5% of controls (p= 0.155). Based on our findings, SM exposure seems not to be associated with increased esophagitis.