Oesophageal Obstruction Due to Saccular Aneurysm of the Distal Thoracic Aorta

The second reported case and first successful treatment of oesophageal obstruction due to a saccular aneurysm of the distal thoracic aorta is described. The patient, a 69-year-old male, presented with severe dysphagia which was thought to be due either to achalasia or a tumour. Operation, however, revealed a large aneurysm at the level of the diaphragmatic hiatus which was compressing the oesophagus against the right crus. As the anatomy of the aneurysm was unknown and there was a significant risk of damage to the spinal arteries the oesophageal obstruction was treated by transposition of the oesophagus combined with an anti-reflux repair. This has given an excellent clinical result and the aneurysm has remained unchanged over a period of eighteen months.