[Spontaneous intramural hematoma of the esophagus. Apropos of a case]

Spontaneous intramural haematoma of the oesophagus is a rare condition which usually produces a clinical picture marked by chest pain, dysphagia and haematemesis of moderate severity. The authors report a new case in a woman aged 70 years, under anticoagulant treatment for viral meningitis and presenting with repeated vomiting. Endoscopy of the upper alimentary tract and oesophageal radiography showed a pseudotumoral appearance of the middle and lower portions of the thoracic oesophagus. Progress was favourable under medical management, with uncomplicated recovery. A review of the 38 cases previously published emphasizes in particular the favourable outcome and the conservative medical treatment of this condition.