An unusual cause of airway obstruction in a patient in the endoscopy suite.

Abstract

A 74-year-old man presented for outpatient endoscopy because of dysphagia and the sensation of a mass in the back of his throat. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy demonstrated a soft tissue mass in the proximal esophagus that prolapsed into the hypopharynx on withdrawal of the endoscope. Complete airway obstruction ensued, requiring emergent tracheotomy. The patient was transferred to the hospital for further treatment. Surgical resection revealed a rare giant fibrovascular polyp, which may be associated with asphyxiation and sudden death.