Esophageal melanosis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome: A case report

Esophageal melanosis is an uncommon condition characterized by melanin deposition in the esophageal mucosa. We report the case of a female in her late 40s with systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome, in whom an incidental hyperpigmented lesion was identified in the mid-esophagus during endoscopy performed for iron-deficiency anemia. Histopathological examination confirmed melanocytosis without evidence of dysplasia or malignancy. Although its etiology remains unclear, esophageal melanosis has been linked to chronic mucosal inflammation or injury, which may be triggered by autoimmune alterations. Further studies are warranted to clarify this potential association.