Cervical esophageal perforation and cricopharyngeal dysfunction

March 1, 2011 by W. Brian Helton, MD, Raman Unnikrishnan, MD, and Thomas Gal, MD, MPH
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Abstract

Spontaneous perforation of the esophagus is an uncommon event; when it does occur, it usually affects the thoracic esophagus. We present a rare and fatal case of spontaneous perforation of the cervical esophagus in a 68-year-old woman. We believe this rupture was related to a proximal outlet obstruction secondary to cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction.

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