Pneumomediastinum as a complication of esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis

Abstract

Dysphagia is a common complaint of patients seen at the outpatient clinic as well as at the emergency room. We report esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis (EIPD) as a cause of dysphagia that is less known by physicians and it is rarely described in the literature. EIPD is characterized by multiple, segmental or diffuse, flask-like outpouchings in the esophageal wall corresponding to dilated and inflamed excretory ducts of the submucosal esophageal glands. The underlying etiology remains unclear. Esophageal strictures, esophageal candidiasis and gastroesophageal reflux disease are often associated. The diagnosis can be made by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, but barium esophagography is the modality of choice. Complications of EIPD are rare and include broncho-esophageal and esophagomediastinal fistula, pleural and pericardial effusion, abscesses, gastrointestinal bleeding from a web-like stenosis or esophageal perforation with pneumomediastinum. The treatment for EIPD should be directed towards treating underlying associated conditions and relieving symptoms rather than the pseudodiverticulosis itself.