Giant Left Atrium as a Cause of Dysphagia

Abstract

Vascular causes of dysphagia are not common. Giant left atrium can be added to the rare vascular causes of dysphagia. Two Mayo Clinic cases have been presented, and both show the typical roentgenologic pattern of extrinsic pressure on the esophagus from the giant left atrium. Both patients complained of progressive difficulty in swallowing associated with midsternal pain; and both had temporary relief of symptoms with the use of diuresis prior to surgery.