Presentation
History of regurgitation since the owners acquired the cat at two weeks old.
Patient Data
There is diffuse severe gas distention of the esophagus within the thorax. The mucosal surfaces of the esophagus appears irregular. On the lateral projections, there is a focal soft tissue density contiguous with the dorsal wall of the esopahgus at the level of the 6th thoracic vertebrae is consistent with the azygos vein. There is diffuse interstitial to alveolar infiltrates within the ventral lungs bilaterally. The liver is mildly enlarged.
Case Discussion
Megaesophagus and aspiration pneumonia. There was concern for vascular ring anomaly on presentation, however the diffuse dilation of the esophagus defines this as a diffuse motility disorder and not a mechanical obstruction.
The radiographic changes are not compatible with a vascular ring anomaly. The focal soft tissue density of the dorsal esophageal wall represents a focal depression at the site of azygous vein. The irregular mucosal surface may represent esophagitis.
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