Simultaneous tracheobronchial and esophageal obstruction caused by a descending thoracic aneurysm

Descending thoracic aortic aneurysms are a rare cause of symptomatic airway or esophageal obstruction. We report the case of a patient with simultaneous severe dyspnea and dysphagia from the thoracic portion of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Perioperative management of the airway obstruction was an essential component of successful treatment. Repair of the aneurysm resulted in resolution of the patient's symptoms.