A Giant Upper Esophageal Leiomyoma: A Rare Case

BACKGROUND Benign esophageal neoplasms are uncommon, representing less than 10% of esophageal tumors. Esophageal leiomyomas are benign mesenchymal esophageal tumors, typically involving the distal two-thirds of the esophagus. However, upper esophageal leiomyoma is unusual. Signs and symptoms are nonspecific and similar to any esophageal lesion. The role of radiologic imaging in the diagnosis of leiomyoma is vital. Enucleation is the preferred surgical method for treatment of esophageal leiomyoma. In our patient, the presence of a large tumor necessitated esophageal resection and reconstruction. CASE REPORT A previously healthy 55-year-old woman presented with a chronic productive cough, which did not improve with symptomatic treatment and was not associated with shortness of breath, fever, anorexia, or weight loss. A chest radiograph revealed a superiorly located posterior mediastinal mass, measuring 9.6×4.8×4.6 cm in maximum dimensions. The mass was further evaluated by contrast-enhanced computed tomography, which demonstrated a mass with stippled calcifications, consistent with esophageal leiomyoma. Surgical resection was successfully performed, and the patient had complete resolution of her symptoms. A follow-up visit revealed a postoperative complication of left vocal cord palsy. Speech-language therapy was recommended. CONCLUSIONS Esophageal leiomyoma can present solely with respiratory symptoms without any gastrointestinal involvement and can be misdiagnosed because of atypical symptoms, uncommon location, or atypical imaging features. Recognizing the imaging features and pathologic basis of esophageal leiomyoma is essential for detection, early diagnosis, and management. Endoscopic and radiologic tests are critical to differentiate esophageal leiomyoma from other esophageal lesions and to eliminate the risk of malignancy.