Dysphagia as an early sign of cardiac decompensation in elderly: case report. Issue 4 (17th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Matta, Anthony; Elenizi, Khaled; Carrié, Didier; Roncalli, Jerome
• Editors: Tamura, Yuichi; Dias, Andre; Akleh, Subhi; Camm, Christian Fielder; Patel, Peysh A
• Is Part Of: European heart journal. Volume 4:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 5
• Publication Date: 2020-06-17
• Subjects: Cardiovascular dysphagia -- Left atrium -- Dysphagia -- Compression -- Case report; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Cardiology -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Heart -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Heart -- Diseases -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytaa149
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2514-2119

Abstract

Abstract: Background : Several clinical entities may be misdiagnosed in elderly if we consider dysphagia as a normal aging process in our daily practice. On top of usual aetiologies like motor dysfunction, investigations may uncover serious underlying conditions. Case summary : We report an unusual case where dysphagia was the warning sign for acute heart failure in a 76-year-old patient known to have dilated cardiomyopathy with reduced ejection fraction. It was due to an external oesophageal compression by the left atrium. A transthoracic echocardiography, an enhanced thoracic computed tomography-scan and esophagogastroduodenoscopy were used for the diagnosis. Diuretics were the cornerstone treatment with symptomatic improvement. Discussion : Despite the fact that cardiovascular dysphagia is an uncommon medical entity, but it remains a potential differential diagnosis, especially in elderlies with high risk for atrial enlargement.