Diagnostic imaging of esophageal web.

The case of a 79-year-old female patient with chest pain, palpitations and dysphagia is presented. The patient was sent to the Diagnostic Imaging department for barium study of the upper digestive tract. From the analysis of findings of fast digital imaging the various disorders and diseases that could be responsible for them, were considered. All alternative situations (pharyngeal venous plexus, cricopharyngeal muscle, vertebral osteophytosis, thyroid struma etc) were excluded and the diagnostic suspicion led to the diagnosis of esophageal web (thin mucous membrane within the lumen). For diagnostic completion esophagoscopy was performed. It confirmed the diagnostic suspicion and allowed treatment by dilatation that resulted in a marked benefit to the patient.