Intramural haematoma of the oesophagus complicated by perforation

Spontaneous intramural oesophageal haematoma: an unusual cause of chest pain

The following case describes a 29-year-old previously well gentleman who presented with an acute onset of chest pain, dysphagia, odynophagia and vomiting without haematemesis. An oesophageal lesion was visualised on CT angiography and further investigation via oesophogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) diagnosed a spontaneous intramural oesophageal haematoma as the cause of his symptomatology. Conservative medical management in the form of triple therapy and softened diet was well tolerated and a follow-up OGD at 6 weeks after discharge from hospital showed spontaneous resolution of the haematoma.

Intramural hematoma of the esophagus: a pictorial essay

Intramural hematoma of the esophagus (IHE) is a rare but well-documented condition that is part of the spectrum of esophageal injuries which includes the more common Mallory-Weiss tear and Boerhaave's syndrome. Acute retrosternal or epigastric pain is a common clinical feature, which can be accompanied by dysphagia, odynophagia, or hematemesis. An early differentiation from Mallory-Weiss tear, Boerhaave syndrome, ruptured aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, acute myocardial infarction, or pulmonary pathology can be difficult. Computed tomography (CT) is the imaging modality of choice and characteristically reveals a concentric or eccentric thickening of the esophageal wall with well-defined borders and variable degree of obliteration of the lumen. Measurement of the attenuation values within the lesion will reveal blood density which varies according to the age of the hematoma. CT should be considered the preferred diagnostic technique, thereby facilitating proper clinical management. Early diagnosis is crucial as most patients may be treated conservatively with good outcome.

Spontaneous intramural haematoma of the oesophagus: CT and MRI appearances

A 64-year-old man with history of ischaemic heart disease and coronary artery bypass graft surgery, but no history of peptic ulcer or liver disease, presented with retrosternal pain and coffee-ground vomitus. Endoscopy revealed a long column of bluish discolouration with normal mucosa interpreted as a grade IV oesophageal varix. Computed tomography showed a non-enhancing low-density submucosal columnar lesion in the mid- and lower oesophagus consistent with a submucosal haematoma. This resolved on follow-up at 10 days. The magnetic resonance features of intermediate signal intensity on T1-weighted images and hyperintense signal on T2-weighted images of this lesion are also highlighted.

Spontaneous intramural haematoma of the oesophagus: a report of three cases and review of the literature

Spontaneous intramural haematoma of the oesophagus is an uncommon condition which may follow rapid increases in intra-oesophageal pressure and is predisposed to by coagulation disorders. The characteristic clinical presentation and findings at radiology and endoscopy frequently result in misdiagnosis and confusion with more sinister pathology. Awareness of the condition and conservative treatment with correction of coagulation abnormalities, when present, are the mainstays of management. Spontaneous resolution invariably occurs, and the condition is rarely fatal unless surgical treatment is attempted.

Esophageal hematoma and tear requiring emergency surgical intervention. A case report and literature review

Esophageal hematoma is a disorder characterized by the sudden development of pain, hematemesis, or dysphagia, commonly with minimal precipitant. We present the case of 59-year-old man with esophageal hematoma, precipitated by eating, with massive hematemesis requiring surgical intervention. A review of 31 additional cases in the literature since 1980 is discussed. The Mallory-Weiss syndrome and Boerhaave syndrome are distinct entities with some clinical similarities.