Cervical Tracheal Compression in a Patient with Achalasia: An Uncommon Event

Abstract

SUMMARY: We report a case of a 79-year-old woman with long-standing achalasia that resulted in respiratory stridor and dyspnea. She was evaluated for tracheal compression with use of CT on inspiration and expiration. Airway obstruction and acute respiratory distress secondary to achalasia have been reported in the clinical literature. The importance of recognizing these rare manifestations is crucial for the appropriate treatment of these patients. In this patient, the CT evaluation of tracheal compression provided useful information on the degree of narrowing caused by the dilated esophagus.