Delayed presentation of intrathoracic esophageal perforation after pneumatic dilation for achalasia.

Abstract

Pneumatic dilation (PD) is considered to be a safe and effective first line therapy for achalasia. The major adverse event caused by PD is esophageal perforation but an immediate gastrografin test may not always detect a perforation. It has been reported that delayed management of perforation for more than 24 h is associated with high mortality. Surgery is the treatment of choice within 24 h, but the management of delayed perforation remains controversial. Hereby, we report a delayed presentation of intrathoracic esophageal perforation following PD in a 48-year-old woman who suffered from achalasia. She completely recovered after intensive medical care. A review of the literature is also discussed.

• Authors: Ming-Tzung Lin, Wei-Chen Tai, King-Wah Chiu, Yeh-Pin Chou, Ming-Chao Tsai, Tsung-Hui Hu, Chuan-Mo Lee, Chi-Sin Changchien, Seng-Kee Chuah
• Journal: World journal of gastroenterology (World J Gastroenterol) Vol. 15 Issue 35 Pg. 4461-3 (Sep 21 2009) ISSN: 2219-2840 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19764103 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Catheterization (adverse effects)
• Chest Pain (etiology)
• Endoscopy (adverse effects, methods)
• Esophageal Achalasia (complications, diagnostic imaging, therapy)
• Esophageal Perforation (etiology, surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Time Factors
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• Treatment Outcome