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Cervical esophageal perforation and cricopharyngeal dysfunction
W Brian Helton1, Raman Unnikrishnan, Thomas Gal
1Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky School of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|March 18, 2011
Summary
Spontaneous esophageal perforation is rare, typically affecting the chest. This case details a fatal cervical esophagus rupture in a 68-year-old woman, likely due to cricopharyngeal dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Esophageal Pathophysiology
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- Spontaneous esophageal perforation is a rare clinical event.
- Most perforations occur in the thoracic esophagus.
- Cervical esophageal perforations are exceptionally uncommon.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old woman presented with a rare spontaneous perforation of the cervical esophagus.
- The patient's perforation was fatal.
- Proximal outlet obstruction secondary to cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction was suspected as the cause.
Findings:
- This case highlights a fatal spontaneous cervical esophageal perforation.
- Cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction leading to proximal outlet obstruction is implicated.
- The rarity of cervical esophageal spontaneous rupture is emphasized.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare esophageal pathologies.
- Understanding cricopharyngeal dysfunction is crucial for diagnosing proximal esophageal issues.
- Early recognition and management of esophageal perforations, even in unusual locations, are critical for patient outcomes.
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