Delayed presentation of intrathoracic esophageal perforation after pneumatic dilation for achalasia

World J Gastroenterol. 2009 Sep 21;15(35):4461-3. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.4461.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

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