Intramural Esophageal Abscess and Dissection due to Retropharygeal Abscess

Intramural esophageal dissection is a rare esophageal disorder characterized by sudden severe retro-sternal pain, hematemesis, odynophagia and dysphagia due to longitudinal separation of submucosa from muscle layer of the esophagus. Even though the etiology of this disorder still remains uncertain, it is usually associated with a rapid increase of intra-esophageal pressure in addition to coagulation disorder. We treated a patient who initially presented with retropharyngeal abscess, but finally progressed to an intramural esophageal dissection, which was successfully treated by endoscopic procedure. This is the first case that recorded disease pro gression and treatment from a retropharyngeal abscess to esophageal dissection. � Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2011;54:871-4 Key WordsZZRetropharynx ㆍAbscess ㆍEsophagus ㆍDissection.