# A rare cause of acute upper airway obstruction: a case report

## TL;DR

An elderly woman's sudden collapse and breathing issues were caused by an unusual condition involving her esophagus and trachea.

## Contribution

Highlights a rare cause of acute airway obstruction in elderly patients and emphasizes the need for broad differential diagnosis.

## Key findings

- Computed tomography revealed a significantly dilated esophagus compressing the trachea.
- The patient's condition stabilized after intubation and successful extubation.
- The case adds to the literature on uncommon causes of acute respiratory distress in elderly patients.

## Abstract

Sudden collapse and fluctuating consciousness in elderly patients has a broad differential diagnosis, yet timely diagnosis can be critical for appropriate management. This case report underscores the importance of considering uncommon etiologies in patients presenting with such nonspecific symptoms.

An 82-year-old female presented to the Emergency Department following a collapse at home and reduced conscious level associated with episodes of respiratory arrest. Computed Tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography revealed a significantly dilated oesophagus with tracheal compression. Following successful intubation and identification of the dilated oesophagus with tracheal compression, the patient’s condition stabilized and she was later successfully extubated and discharged from hospital.

This report adds to the literature on uncommon causes of acute respiratory distress and emphasises the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis when evaluating elderly patients presenting with sudden collapse and respiratory symptoms.