Distal oesophageal stricture after transoesophageal echocardiography in a cardiac surgical patient

Eur J Echocardiogr. 2010 Dec;11(10):889-91. doi: 10.1093/ejechocard/jeq080. Epub 2010 Jun 18.

Abstract

Transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is an important tool for diagnosis and monitoring during anaesthesia in cardiac operation. TEE is generally considered a safe and minimally invasive technique. However, adverse events may occur during probe insertion or manipulation. We report a case of delayed distal oesophageal stricture with an associated scarring probably due to TEE during a cardiac operation. The patient, a 75-year-old female, underwent coronary artery bypass graft, mitral valve replacement, and tricuspid valve annuloplasty. Seven days after surgery, the patient complained of dysphagia without haemoptysis and drop of haematocrit. At 24 days after surgery, severe stricture of distal oesophagus with scarring was observed by oesophagography and stent insertion was done.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures*
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal / adverse effects*
  • Esophageal Stenosis / diagnosis
  • Esophageal Stenosis / etiology*
  • Esophageal Stenosis / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Stents