CT features of esophageal emergencies

• Published in: Radiographics Vol. 28; no. 6; p. 1541
• Main Authors: Young, Catherine A, Menias, Christine O, Bhalla, Sanjeev, Prasad, Srinivasa R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.10.2008
• Subjects: Critical Care - methods; Emergency Medical Services - methods; Esophageal Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Esophageal Diseases - therapy; Esophageal Perforation - diagnostic imaging; Esophageal Perforation - therapy; Esophagus - diagnostic imaging; Esophagus - injuries; Humans; Rupture, Spontaneous - diagnosis; Rupture, Spontaneous - therapy; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods
• ISSN: 1527-1323
• DOI: 10.1148/rg.286085520

Esophageal emergencies-primarily, perforation and conditions with the potential to progress to perforation-result in significant morbidity and mortality if they are not recognized and treated promptly. The spectrum of esophageal emergencies includes esophagitis, foreign body impaction, and traumatic esophageal injury. Because there is considerable variability in the clinical manifestations of emergent esophageal conditions, computed tomography (CT) may play both primary and complementary roles in their diagnosis and evaluation. An awareness of the CT findings associated with the spectrum of acute esophageal disease facilitates the accurate and prompt diagnosis of esophageal emergencies and thereby contributes to a more successful outcome.