Esophageal entrapment with blunt thoracic spinal trauma

Abstract

Esophageal injury due to blunt trauma rarely occurs. However, prompt diagnosis and treatment of such injury is essential to improve patient survival. We report an extremely rare case of esophageal entrapment within a hyperextension fracture dislocation of the thoracic spine, which was diagnosed by reviewing an esophagram and CT image simultaneously. Esophageal injury should be considered with thoracic spine trauma, especially if the T3/4 level is involved.