Otras patologías esofágicas

Abstract

Membranes and esophageal rings are fine structures that may cause dysphagia. The most frequent ring, that of Schatzk, generally associated to an hiatal hernia, can be treated endoscopically as first line treatment - dilatation - associated to proton pump inhibitors (PPI). The membranes, of unknown etiology, may be related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and to ampollous or immunological systemic skin diseases, and form a part of the Plummer Vinson syndrome, a preneoplastic condition that occurs with anemia. Congenital or acquired esophageal diverticula are evaginations of the wall that generally are associated to a motor disorder. Their symptoms generally are dysphagia or regurgitation. Zenker diverticulum is pharyngoesophageal and is treated surgically and endoscopically. Esophageal rupture, both iatrogenic and spontaneous or surgically related (Boerhaave syndrome) is a serious condition that may occur with mediastinitis. Endoscopic mechanical treatment may be used in selected early cases, but the standard treatment is surgery. Computed tomography (CT) with hydrosoluble contrast is the principal imaging approach.