An unusual cause of dysphagia: thoracic aorta aneurysm

J Thorac Dis. 2013 Dec;5(6):E224-6. doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2013.11.15.

Abstract

The vascular structure related compression of esophagus is rather rare. Aberrant right subclavicular artery accounts for the majority of the rare entity, while the thoracic aorta aneurysm is a more dangerous type, called as dysphagia aortica. Delay in diagnosis and treatment of the dysphagia aortica predisposes to rupture and death. Herein, we reported a female patient with thoracic aorta aneurysm. A quick diagnosis by using chest contrast computed tomography (CT) scan and angiography of heart was made, and followed by emergent surgery. In the process, there was no delay on the diagnosis and treatment. The patient is going on well in the follow up.

Keywords: 128-slice computed tomography (CT) angiography; Dysphagia; dysphagia aortica; saccular aneurysm; thoracic aorta aneurysm.

Publication types

  • Case Reports