Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Modeling Oral-Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 3D Organoids
10:43

Modeling Oral-Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 3D Organoids

Published on: December 23, 2022

Megaesophagus in a 6-month-old cat secondary to a nasopharyngeal polyp

Julie K Byron1, Steven R Shadwick, Avery R Bennett

  • 1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States. jbyron@illinois.edu

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
|October 20, 2009
PubMed

Insights

A nasopharyngeal polyp caused megaesophagus in a cat. Surgical removal of the polyp resolved the condition, marking a first-time reported outcome for feline megaesophagus.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Feline Surgery
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Megaesophagus in cats can stem from various underlying causes.
  • Nasopharyngeal polyps are relatively common in felines, often causing respiratory or neurological signs.

Observation:

  • A 6-month-old cat presented with a 3-month history of dysphagia and upper respiratory issues.
  • Diagnostic imaging revealed a large nasopharyngeal polyp extending into the cervical esophagus, causing generalized megaesophagus.

Findings:

  • Surgical removal of the nasopharyngeal polyp was achieved via traction and left ventral bulla osteotomy.
  • Post-operative radiographs at 14 days confirmed the resolution of megaesophagus.
  • The cat's clinical signs, including dysphagia, completely resolved after polyp removal.

Implications:

  • This case highlights nasopharyngeal polyps as a treatable cause of secondary megaesophagus in cats.
  • Successful surgical intervention can lead to complete resolution of megaesophagus and associated clinical signs.
  • This report is the first to document megaesophagus resolution following nasopharyngeal polyp removal in a feline patient.

More Related Videos

Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion During Breathing and Swallowing07:45

Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion During Breathing and Swallowing

Published on: December 1, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Achalasia01:27

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...