Extrinsic left atrial compression in a patient with achalasia

Int J Cardiol. 2002 Oct;85(2-3):301-3. doi: 10.1016/s0167-5273(02)00271-1.

Abstract

Left atrial compression by the esophagus, the stomach, or both is an uncommon but important cause of hemodynamic compromise. Achalasia is a disease of the esophagus with dilatation of the distal part and constriction of the lower oesophageal sphincter. Dilated esophagus is a rare cause of left atrial compression. Timely and precise diagnosis is of paramount importance in cases of left atrial compression and echocardiography enables clinicians to make a differential diagnosis successfully in most cases. Correction of primary pathology will usually lead to the return of normal hemodynamic function. We describe a case of extrinsic left atrial compression caused by the dilated esophagus due to achalasia that caused paroxysms of atrial tachycardia and hemodynamic compromise.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Constriction, Pathologic / etiology
  • Esophageal Achalasia / complications*
  • Esophagus
  • Heart Atria
  • Heart Diseases / etiology*
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tachycardia, Ectopic Atrial / etiology*