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Robotic Enucleation of Esophageal Leiomyoma
Published on: February 20, 2026
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Giant oesophageal leiomyoma causing severe hypertension
Andrea Lovece1, Pamela Milito1, Emanuele Asti1
1Department of Surgery, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
BMJ Case Reports
|September 15, 2016
Summary
A rare esophageal leiomyoma caused severe orthostatic hypertension in a patient. Surgical resection of the mediastinal mass relieved the symptoms and vena cava compression.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cardiology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Esophageal leiomyomas are the most common esophageal tumors, often asymptomatic.
- When symptomatic, dysphagia is the most frequent complaint.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old woman presented with new-onset severe orthostatic hypertension.
- A mediastinal mass compressing the supradiaphragmatic inferior vena cava was identified during cardiac work-up.
Findings:
- Diagnostic investigations confirmed a large esophageal submucosal leiomyoma.
- The mass was successfully resected using a minimally invasive right thoracoscopic approach.
Implications:
- This case highlights an unusual presentation of esophageal leiomyoma.
- Minimally invasive surgery effectively treated the mass and resolved associated symptoms.
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