ABSTRACT
The aortic arch normally causes no symptomatic physiological constriction of the esophagus. Symptoms of dysphagia are generally observed in the presence of specific conditions, such as an aortic aneurysm. In the present case, during a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), the authors incidentally found that despite the absence of an aortic lesion, the dysphagia observed in a stroke patient was caused by compression from the aortic arch. The patient complained of discomfort when swallowing, similar to a bolus lodged in the chest, which was consistent with compression by the aortic arch found on the VFSS and chest computed tomography (CT). After undergoing dysphagia therapy, the VFSS after 52 days revealed improved swallowing function; however, the sensation of food lodging in the chest due to compression by the aortic arch persisted. We conclude that although the physiological constriction of the esophagus by the aortic arch is usually asymptomatic, the constriction can be a factor that exacerbates the swallowing function in patients with dysphagia, and should therefore be considered during the differential diagnosis.
ABSTRACT
The aortic arch normally causes no symptomatic physiological constriction of the esophagus. Symptoms of dysphagia are generally observed in the presence of specific conditions, such as an aortic aneurysm. In the present case, during a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), the authors incidentally found that despite the absence of an aortic lesion, the dysphagia observed in a stroke patient was caused by compression from the aortic arch. The patient complained of discomfort when swallowing, similar to a bolus lodged in the chest, which was consistent with compression by the aortic arch found on the VFSS and chest computed tomography (CT). After undergoing dysphagia therapy, the VFSS after 52 days revealed improved swallowing function; however, the sensation of food lodging in the chest due to compression by the aortic arch persisted. We conclude that although the physiological constriction of the esophagus by the aortic arch is usually asymptomatic, the constriction can be a factor that exacerbates the swallowing function in patients with dysphagia, and should therefore be considered during the differential diagnosis.
ABSTRACT
An intraneural ganglion in the peripheral nerve and the resulting ulnar neuropathy at the elbow are uncommon and may show various symptoms ranging from local pain to motor and sensory impairment. We report a case of a 76-year-old man who was diagnosed with ulnar neuropathy caused by an intraneural ganglion derived from the elbow. We also discuss the pathophysiology, treatment, prognosis, and diagnostic value of ultrasonography in neuropathy caused by a ganglion.
ABSTRACT
An intraneural ganglion in the peripheral nerve and the resulting ulnar neuropathy at the elbow are uncommon and may show various symptoms ranging from local pain to motor and sensory impairment. We report a case of a 76-year-old man who was diagnosed with ulnar neuropathy caused by an intraneural ganglion derived from the elbow. We also discuss the pathophysiology, treatment, prognosis, and diagnostic value of ultrasonography in neuropathy caused by a ganglion.
ABSTRACT
In cases of inadequate nutrition among individuals with dysphagia, nasogastric tube insertion is considered for nutritional supplementation. Typically, the complications of nasogastric tube insertion are not severe. In rare cases, however, nasal or nasopharyngeal injury caused by the self-knotting of nasogastric tubes can occur. This paper presents a case of spontaneous knotting of a nasogastric tube and its removal in a patient with aspiration pneumonia caused by dysphagia. This case shows that self-knotting must be considered when there is strong resistance during the removal of a nasogastric tube.