Result of Potassium-Competitive Acid Blockers in the Treatment of Severe Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Associated Esophageal Ulcer

Esophageal ulcers are rare but can become severe and require prompt treatment. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), one of the causes, is a frequently encountered disease that considerably affects the daily lives of patients; therefore, appropriate management is required. Acid-suppressive therapy is the mainstay of treatment. Here, we report a case in which potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB) therapy was associated with ulcer healing and symptom improvement caused by GERD. An 81-year-old woman was referred for further evaluation after abnormal gastric imaging findings were detected during a routine health checkup. The patient had no remarkable medical history or comorbidities. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed an esophageal ulcer caused by severe GERD. Acid-suppressive therapy with P-CABs was effective, resulting in the rapid resolution of the ulcer and improvement of reflux-like symptoms. The dose was subsequently reduced as maintenance therapy, and the patient continued to do well without symptom recurrence. As illustrated in the present case, GERD has the potential to progress to esophageal ulceration; therefore, prompt initiation of treatment is necessary. P-CABs may be a useful therapeutic option in similar cases.