Epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum within a leiomyoma: A rare cause of dysphagia

Abstract

Introduction:The diagnosis of symptomatic epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum is rare (15-20%). Esophageal leiomyoma and epiphrenic diverticula are both uncommon, but may rarely occur together. In this patient a leiomyoma was found within an epiphrenic diverticulum. Methods:We report the case of a 58-year-old man referred to our unit with a 4-year history of progressive and intermittent dysphagia, mainly to solids, and weight loss. Barium swallow revealed a distal esophageal stenosis secondary to a diverticulum; upper endoscopy showed an extrinsic submucosal compression of the cardia; and CT scan showed an infradiaphragmatic saccular dilation of the esophagus with a thickened wall. The patient was diagnosed with distal esophageal diverticulum with a submucosal tumor inside. Laparoscopic hiatal diverticulectomy including tumor, cardiomyotomy and a partial fundoplication was performed. Our objective is to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Results:The pathological study confirmed a leiomyoma of 5x4 cm in an esophageal diverticulum. On the 3rd postoperative day, barium swallow confirmed good esophageal passage and gastric emptying. The patient was discharged on day 4. In the follow-up monitoring after one month and one year the patient was asymptomatic with good quality of life. Discussion: Traditionally, treatment for an epiphrenic diverticulum consists of a diverticulectomy with or without myotomy, performed through a thoracotomy. Hiatal laparoscopy obviates the need for thoracotomy and placement of a chest tube. It would also allow an easier fundoplication after myotomy and diverticulectomy. This case has several unique aspects. Firstly, an esophageal diverticulum with a leiomyoma inside, which is in a subdiaphragmatic location; and secondly, the fact that it is not associated with primary motor disorder. Here, the leiomyoma causes the epiphrenic diverticulum. Conclusion:Whenever a submucosal tumor within the diverticulum is present careful consideration should be given to the possibility of an associated neoplasm. We suggest that the majority of epiphrenic diverticula of the distal esophagus can be treated successfully by laparoscopic approach, which makes it possible to remove the associated tumor; and that it is at least as safe and effective as conventional transthoracic access but with the advantages of an early postoperative recovery.

Association between Oesophageal Diverticula and Leiomyomas: A Report of Two Cases

“…They stain positive for desmin, SMA (alpha smooth muscle actin), and high molecular weight caldesmon and negative for CD34, CD117, S100, and DOG1/ANO1. Oesophageal leiomyomas are typically treated with enucleation (open or thoracoscopic) for small tumours and oesophagectomy for large tumours [14, 15]. …”