title: Esophageal Perforation After Transesophageal Echocardiogram.
abstract: Esophageal rupture after transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a rare but life-threatening complication. Risk factors for perforation include spasm or hypertrophy of the cricopharyngeal sphincter, cervical arthritis, forward and left lateral bending of the distal esophagus, and esophageal disease such as inflammation or neoplasm. We present the case of a 80-year-old woman who developed perforation of her esophagus after TEE. Prior irradiation to the chest due to treatment for breast cancer and subsequent fibrosis probably contributed to this complication. Physicians referring patients for a TEE and physicians performing this procedure should be aware for the risk of perforation. The identification of risk factors and gentle maneuvering of the probe may prevent this severe, life-threatening complication.
authors.affiliation: Division of Medicine, Hadassah University Hospital, P.O. Box 12000, Jerusalem, Israel 91120.
authors.forename: Michael Y.
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Shapira
authors.forename: Boaz
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hirshberg
authors.forename: Ronit
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Agid
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zuckerman
authors.forename: Yoseph
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Caraco