Russell Body Esophagitis: A Possible Indication to Screen for Hematologic Malignancy

This is a case of an elderly man with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma on a direct oral anticoagulant for atrial fibrillation who presented with weakness. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy found herpes esophagitis and islands of salmon-colored mucosa suspicious for Barrett’s esophagus. Biopsies showed no signs of Barrett’s Esophagus but returned positive for Russell bodies. This is the only reported case of Russell body esophagitis in the absence of Barrett’s esophagus. This case adds to the mounting evidence that Russell body esophagitis and potentially all gastrointestinal Russell bodies should prompt further work-up for hematologic malignancy.