Mediastinitis due to Esophageal Perforation as a Complication of Diagnostic Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

ABSTRACT

Although diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a reasonably safe procedure, complications may occur and can sometimes cause lift-threatening conditions. Esophageal perforation is one of the most serious complications. We report here a very rare case of esophageal perforation and mediastinitis by routine endoscopic study. A 69-year-old woman complained of edematous and painful neck area just after diagnostic endoscopy was finished. Computed tomography was performed and revealed mediastinitis at the superior mediastinum with deep neck infection by suspicious esophageal perforation. The patient completely recovered with prompt surgical intervention of incision and drainage. Because late diagnosis of the complication can lead to high mortality, endoscopists need to be aware of possible procedure-related complications.