Related Experiment Videos
Transesophageal echocardiography: not an innocuous procedure
W T Brinkman1, J S Shanewise, S D Clements
1Joseph B. Whitehead Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|November 28, 2001
Summary
Transesophageal echocardiography can cause intrathoracic esophageal perforations. Early suspicion and surgical intervention are crucial for patient survival in these rare cases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a valuable diagnostic tool.
- Esophageal perforation is a rare but serious complication of TEE.
- Timely diagnosis and management are critical for favorable outcomes.
Observation:
- Three patients developed intrathoracic esophageal perforations following TEE procedures over a two-year period.
- Delayed diagnosis occurred in these cases due to a lack of clinical suspicion.
- All three patients underwent surgical management for their perforations.
Findings:
- Intrathoracic esophageal perforation is a potential risk associated with transesophageal echocardiography.
- Failure to suspect this complication can lead to significant diagnostic delays.
- Prompt surgical intervention is associated with successful patient survival.
Implications:
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for esophageal perforation after TEE.
- Improved awareness and diagnostic protocols for TEE-related esophageal injuries are warranted.
- Surgical management offers a viable treatment option for intrathoracic esophageal perforations following TEE.