Esophageal achalasia compressing the heart diagnosed by echocardiography

Int J Cardiol. 1998 Sep 30;66(2):225-7. doi: 10.1016/s0167-5273(98)00187-9.

Abstract

We present a patient with severe decompensated esophageal achalasia in whom transthoracic echocardiography revealed compression of the left heart chambers caused by the dilated esophagus representing a posterior mediastinal mass. This case also illustrates the ability of echocardiography to monitor success of treatment of decompensated achalasia. An important role of echocardiography in the diagnosis of mediastinal masses is emphasized.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Esophageal Achalasia / complications*
  • Esophageal Achalasia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Heart Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Diseases / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Ultrasonography