Soonchunhyang Med Sci.  2018 Dec;24(2):216-219. 10.0000/sms.2018.24.2.216.

A Case of Dysphagia Aortica Caused by a Large Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

• Choi HY
• Jeon U
• Lee SW
• Park SH
• Yu HY

• KMID: 2437877
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/sms.2018.24.2.216

Abstract

Dysphagia aortica is a rare condition defined by difficulty in swallowing and is caused by extrinsic compression of the esophagus due to an ectatic, tortuous, or aneurysmatic atherosclerotic thoracic aorta. It is easy to miss the diagnosis if the clinician does not consider the possibility of dysphagia caused by a thoracic aortic aneurysm. We present the case of an 82-year-old man who developed dysphagia aortica associated with a large thoracic aortic aneurysm. Extrinsic compression of the esophagus caused by an enlarged thoracic aorta was seen on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, barium esophagogram, and chest computed tomography. With dietary modifications, his symptoms of dysphagia gradually improved.

Keyword

Deglutition disorders; Thoracic aortic aneurysm; Vascular compression

MeSH Terms

Aged, 80 and over
Aorta, Thoracic
Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic*
Barium
Deglutition
Deglutition Disorders*
Diagnosis
Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
Esophagus
Food Habits
Humans
Thorax
Barium