Contained Rupture of a Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: A Rare and Life-Threatening Cause of Dysphagia

TL;DR

A rare case of swallowing difficulty caused by a ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm is successfully treated with a minimally invasive procedure.

Contribution

This case report highlights a rare and life-threatening cause of dysphagia successfully treated with thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair.

Findings

Dysphagia aortica due to contained rupture of a thoracic aortic aneurysm is a rare but fatal condition if untreated.

Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair can be an effective treatment for acute cases of aortic dysphagia.

Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent fatal outcomes in such cases.

Abstract

Dysphagia is commonly seen in the elderly and has both benign and malignant causes. A difficulty in swallowing due to the esophageal compression by the aorta, or dysphagia aortica, is a rare entity, little described in literature. However, diagnostic error or diagnostic and treatment delays of aortic dysphagia can be fatal. Herein, we report a case of dysphagia aortica caused by the contained rupture of a descending aneurysmatic thoracic aorta, presenting at the emergency department with acute dysphagia and diffuse chest pain, successfully treated by thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair.

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