Published in:
01-12-2020 | Computed Tomography | Clinical Conundrum
A “Freak of Nature”… Revealed!
Published in: Dysphagia | Issue 6/2020
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A 49-year-old female patient presented with an acute onset of food getting stuck in her chest following consumption of a meat-containing meal. She recalled having progressive solid food dysphagia and subjective weight loss for the last few months. Past medical history was significant for migraine and restless leg syndrome. Physical examination and laboratory tests were unrevealing. The patient underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), which showed narrowing in the mid-esophagus, Figs. 1 and 2. She had a successful mobilization of the food bolus from the proximal third of the esophagus to the stomach through gentle manipulation. A neck and chest contrast computed tomography (CT) scan with intravenous contrast was performed, Figs. 3, 4, and 5.
Fig. 1
EGD showing the food bolus (arrow) and the narrowing of the mid-esophagus (arrowhead)
Fig. 2
EGD showing the narrowing of the mid-esophagus
Fig. 3
Contrast neck and chest CT scan, coronal view, showing a foreign body in the esophagus at the level of T1–T2 (arrowhead) with a nearby vascular structure
Fig. 4
Contrast neck and chest CT scan, axial view, showing narrowing of the esophagus
Fig. 5
Contrast neck and chest CT scan, sagittal view, showing a foreign body in the esophagus at the level of T1–T2 (arrowhead) with a nearby vascular
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