An Unusual Presentation of Chest Pain and Laryngeal Discomfort in a Pregnant Woman: A Case Report and Literature Review

Acta Med Okayama. 2023 Aug;77(4):429-431. doi: 10.18926/AMO/65755.

Abstract

Intramural esophageal dissection (IED), characterized by bleeding into the submucosal space, leads to mucosal separation and dissection. The most prevalent symptoms are sudden chest or retrosternal pain, hematemesis, and dysphagia. Therefore, acute coronary syndrome and aortic dissection are among its most notable differential diagnoses. A 31-year-old pregnant woman presented with acute chest pain, laryngeal discomfort, and hematemesis. Emergency esophagogastroscopy revealed longitudinal mucosal dissection (upper esophagus to esophagogastric junction). The patient was successfully treated by avoiding the ingestion of solid foods. Clinicians should consider a diagnosis of IED for pregnant patients with acute chest pain, especially if hematemesis is present.

Keywords: chest pain; dysphagia; esophageal dissection; hematemesis.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chest Pain / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Esophagoscopy
  • Female
  • Hematemesis*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnant Women*