Abstract
A 55-year-old male began to feel precordial pain after meals in the end of April, 2001. He was in hospital to receive the steroid therapy for dermatomyositis since December 2000.
Endoscopic examination showed a large ulcer and mucosal bridges resulting from laceration of the submucosal layer, which produced a false channel throughout the middle and distal esophagus. The patient was first managed conservatively to refrain from any drinks and meals for two weeks. In the middle of May, esophagoscopy showed retention of fluid and food in the false channel of the esophagus. On 28 of May, the mucosal bridge of the esophagus was cut through with a diathermy knife under endoscopic control. The false channel was abolished. The patient was able to drink water 20 days after the endoscopic treatment and to eat meals 26 days after it. Endoscopic examination after 5 months showed almost perfect epitherization of the esophageal mucosal membrane. The endoscopic treatment to open the false channel by cutting the mucosal bridge shortened the admission period. It is recommended that the mucosal bridge should be cut through endoscopy as soon as possible.
