Presentation
Presented for acute onset of extreme lethargy, recumbency, and dyspnea.
Patient Data
Thorax: The esophagus is markedly distended from the cranial sphincter to the base of the heart. The esophagus is food distended in the cranial thoracic region, and gas and food distended in the cervical region. The trachea is displaced ventrally on the lateral views. The caudal thoracic esophagus appears fluid filled. There is increased interstitial pattern in the left caudal lung lobe , and there is a moderate alveolar pattern in the right cranial lung lobe. The heart is displaced caudally. The cardiovascular structures are mildly decreased in size. On the viewable abdomen there is decreased serosal detail most likely due to the young age of the patient. The findings are consistent with a congenital vascular ring anomaly, with secondary aspiration pneumonia.
Case Discussion
The food retained in the cranial esophagus is acting as contrast medium, precluding the need for an esophagram. The site of stricture at the heart base is consistent with a vascular ring anomaly causing an extramural obstruction. A mural stricture is less likely as these are more rare and no predisposing factors were identified. No further treatment was pursued in this case.
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.