A Case of an Esophageal Stricture Due to Transesophageal Echocardiography / 대한소화기내시경학회지

ABSTRACT

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is widely used to assess cardiac function and anatomical relationships. Although monitoring of the heart by the use of TEE is perceived to be safe and noninvasive, there are significant complications associated with the use of a probe in the esophagus. Oropharyngeal trauma, esophageal perforation, difficulty or pain with swallowing, and gastric mucosal injury are adverse events that can occur from TEE probe insertion. However, no reports have shown that placement of a TEE probe in the esophagus can be a cause of an esophageal stricture. We report a case of a 74-year-old woman with an esophageal stricture after intraoperative TEE. Bougie dilatation is generally considered as an effective treatment for a benign esophageal stricture. The benign stricture in the esophagus was treated safely using Savary-Gilliard bougie dilatation.