Esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis complicated with severe stricture requiring surgical resection

Yusuke Onozato1, Yu Sasaki2, Yasuhiko Abe1,3

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan.

Insights

Esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis (EIPD) can cause severe strictures. Surgical intervention may be necessary for extensive EIPD strictures unresponsive to standard treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Oncology

Background:

  • Esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis (EIPD) is a rare condition characterized by submucosal gland duct dilation, often leading to esophageal strictures.
  • While typically benign and responsive to conservative management like antifungal therapy or endoscopic dilation, EIPD can occasionally present with severe, refractory strictures.

Observation:

  • A 46-year-old male presented with a significant 6 cm esophageal stricture attributed to EIPD.
  • Initial treatment with antifungal medication proved ineffective in alleviating the stricture.
  • The patient subsequently developed aspiration pneumonia secondary to the unresolved esophageal stricture.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent a thoraco-laparoscopic esophagectomy for the extensive EIPD-induced esophageal stricture.
  • Post-surgical recovery demonstrated significant improvement in the patient's symptoms.

Implications:

  • This case highlights that surgical management, such as esophagectomy, should be considered for patients with extensive and severe esophageal strictures caused by EIPD.
  • It underscores the importance of considering surgical options when conservative and endoscopic treatments fail to resolve EIPD-related complications.

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