Spontaneous Esophageal Perforation and Hypopharyngeal Abscess in Adult Dermatomyositis: A Case Report

In patients with dermatomyositis, chronic inflammation of the pharynx and esophagus results in coughing and difficulty in swallowing. These become important clinical symptoms, especially if they contribute to malnutrition or aspiration pneumonia. They can ultimately reduce the quality of life. In rare cases, if the symptoms worsen despite proper treatment, serious complications may arise, a reason to suspect an esophageal perforation or abscess. The authors report a case of dermatomyositis in an adult patient with rare complications of spontaneous esophageal perforation and hypopharyngeal abscess. The patient received non-surgical treatment and was able to resume oral intake of food.