Dysphagia aortica: a rare cause of dysphagia

Dysphagia is uncommon; however, it is considered a warning symptom, especially in the elderly population, and should prompt consideration of a neoplasm of the oesophagus. Dysphagia aortica is rare and often not considered in clinical practice. It is caused by any abnormality of the aorta that results in dysphagia. These include thoracic aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection and even a tortuous aorta. Our case is of an elderly woman, in her early 70s, with a history of treated colorectal carcinoma and hypertension, who presented with progressive dysphagia to solid foods, which, on investigations, showed a tortuous aorta causing compressions of the oesophagus at multiple levels. She was managed with dietary adjustment and optimal control of blood pressure.