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Updated: Jul 25, 2026
07:10
A Rabbit Aortic Valve Stenosis Model Induced by Direct Balloon Injury
Published on: March 31, 2023
Esophageal foreign body causing direct aortic injury.
E C S Lam1, J A Brown, J S Whittaker
1Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. ericl@ualberta.ca
Summary
Esophageal perforation from foreign bodies, like fish bones, can cause arterial bleeding. Surgical intervention is crucial for complicated cases involving vascular injury, ensuring patient recovery.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Oncology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Esophageal perforation is an uncommon complication of foreign body ingestion.
- Flexible gastroscopy is the primary diagnostic tool and often used for non-complicated cases.
- Complicated foreign bodies causing perforation and vascular injury necessitate surgical management.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old woman presented with chest pain, odynophagia, and hematemesis after consuming fish.
- Flexible gastroscopy revealed arterial bleeding from the midthoracic esophagus.
- CT scan confirmed a fish bone perforating the esophagus with a hematoma; aortogram ruled out an active aortoesophageal fistula.
Findings:
- Surgical removal of the 3 cm fish bone was performed.
- The patient experienced no postoperative complications and recovered fully.
- This case highlights the need for prompt surgical consideration in cases of brisk arterial esophageal bleeding secondary to foreign body ingestion.
Implications:
- Early surgical intervention is vital for managing esophageal perforations with significant arterial bleeding.
- Accurate diagnosis combining endoscopy, CT, and angiography is essential for treatment planning.
- Successful surgical outcomes are achievable even in complex foreign body-related esophageal injuries.
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