Dysphagia in the aging cardiovascular patient

Dysphagia is not a normal process of aging. Dysphagia aortica refers to external compression of the distal esophagus from an enlarged, ectatic or aneurysmal thoracic aorta leading to mechanical obstruction of the food bolus. It is a rare cause of dysphagia seen in the older population and predisposing risk factors include female gender, short stature, and kyphosis. We selected the case of an octogenarian with a significant cardiovascular history presenting with dysphagia where the diagnosis of dysphagia aortica was delayed but ultimately identified. Although rare, we urge and remind a high index of suspicion for clinicians treating this patient population.