2021 Volume 98 Issue 1 Pages 58-60
An 89-year-old woman with scoliosis and kyphosis was admitted to our hospital for morning dyspnea. Computed tomography showed compression of the right bronchus by a dilated esophagus and right-sided aortic arch. Non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) occurred suddenly and spontaneously resolved. Endoscopic examination revealed esophageal stenosis in two sites. The symptom improved by dietary and posture counseling.
The dilated esophagus compressed the bronchus and heart, eventually causing dyspnea and NSVT. It is established that scoliosis and kyphosis occasionally cause a fatal condition due to dilation of the gastrointestinal tract; however, esophageal dilation is rarely reported.
The right-sided descending aorta may be one of the reasons of the esophageal stenosis. Our report suggests deformity of the spine or aorta could result in esophageal stenosis and lead to airway constriction and arrhythmia.
