Computed tomography for spontaneous esophageal hematoma: reliable support from diagnosis to recovery

The purpose of the study. To study the possibilities of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of spontaneous hematoma of the esophagus, including in the process of dynamic observation.

Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of CT results in 11 patients with spontaneous esophageal hematoma treated at the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute of SP in the period 2005–2020 is presented. All patients underwent a comprehensive laboratory and instrumental examination, including CT. CT studies were performed with oral and intravenous bolus contrast, primarily at admission and in dynamics.

Results. In all cases, according to CT data, acute pathology of the aorta, rupture of the esophagus were excluded and signs of spontaneous hematoma of the esophagus were revealed. CT semiotics of esophageal hematoma was analyzed with quantitative treatment of changes in density, linear dimensions and volume. CT semiotics analysis also revealed the volumetric effect of hematoma on surrounding organs and structures, accumulation of blood in the pleural cavities, and verified signs of infection of hematoma with inflammatory changes in the surrounding paraesophageal tissue. CT data served as the basis for determining the optimal treatment tactics for spontaneous esophageal hematoma. Conservative therapy was the main method of her treatment. CT examination in dynamics allowed timely detection of complications of spontaneous hematoma of the esophagus (hemothorax, perforation of the esophagus, infection of the hematoma) requiring surgical intervention.

Conclusion. CT is the method of choice in the diagnosis of spontaneous hematoma of the esophagus, which allows for a clear differential diagnosis with urgent life-threatening conditions. CT data make it possible to justify treatment tactics and assess the dynamics of the pathological process.

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