Dysphagia lusorium in elderly: a case report

World J Gastroenterol. 2004 Aug 15;10(16):2459-60. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v10.i16.2459.

Abstract

Aim: Late onset of dysphagia due to vascular abnormalities is a rare condition. We aimed to present a case of right subclavian artery abnormalities caused dysphagia in the elderly.

Methods: A 68-year-old female was admitted with dysphagia seven months ago. Upper endoscopic procedures and routine examinations could not demonstrate any etiology. Multislice computed thorax tomography was performed for probable extra-esophagial lesions.

Results: Multislice computed thorax tomography showed right subclavian artery abnormality and esophagial compression with this aberrant artery.

Conclusion: Causes of dysphagia in the elderly are commonly malignancies, strictures and/or motility disorders. If routine examinations and endoscopic procedures fail to show any etiology, rare vascular abnormalities can be considered in such patients. Multislice computed tomography is a usefull choice in such conditions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Deglutition Disorders / diagnostic imaging
  • Deglutition Disorders / etiology*
  • Esophageal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Esophageal Diseases / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Subclavian Artery / abnormalities*
  • Subclavian Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed