A rare cause of acute upper airway obstruction: a case report
Dublin Core
Title
A rare cause of acute upper airway obstruction: a case report
Subject
Acute airway obstruction, Achalasia, Oesophageal dilation, Case report
Description
Abstract
Background Sudden collapse and fluctuating consciousness in elderly patients has a broad differential diagnosis,
yet timely diagnosis can be critical for appropriate management. This case report underscores the importance of
considering uncommon etiologies in patients presenting with such nonspecific symptoms.
Case presentation An 82-year-old female presented to the Emergency Department following a collapse at home
and reduced conscious level associated with episodes of respiratory arrest. Computed Tomography (CT) pulmonary
angiography revealed a significantly dilated oesophagus with tracheal compression. Following successful intubation
and identification of the dilated oesophagus with tracheal compression, the patient’s condition stabilized and she
was later successfully extubated and discharged from hospital.
Conclusions This report adds to the literature on uncommon causes of acute respiratory distress and emphasises the
importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis when evaluating elderly patients presenting with sudden
collapse and respiratory symptoms.
Keywords Acute airway obstruction, Achalasia, Oesophageal dilation, Case report
Background Sudden collapse and fluctuating consciousness in elderly patients has a broad differential diagnosis,
yet timely diagnosis can be critical for appropriate management. This case report underscores the importance of
considering uncommon etiologies in patients presenting with such nonspecific symptoms.
Case presentation An 82-year-old female presented to the Emergency Department following a collapse at home
and reduced conscious level associated with episodes of respiratory arrest. Computed Tomography (CT) pulmonary
angiography revealed a significantly dilated oesophagus with tracheal compression. Following successful intubation
and identification of the dilated oesophagus with tracheal compression, the patient’s condition stabilized and she
was later successfully extubated and discharged from hospital.
Conclusions This report adds to the literature on uncommon causes of acute respiratory distress and emphasises the
importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis when evaluating elderly patients presenting with sudden
collapse and respiratory symptoms.
Keywords Acute airway obstruction, Achalasia, Oesophageal dilation, Case report
Creator
Jane Harding1* and Csaba Dioszeghy1
Source
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-025-00908-1
Date
2025
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
pdf
Language
english
Type
text
Files
Collection
Citation
Jane Harding1* and Csaba Dioszeghy1, “A rare cause of acute upper airway obstruction: a case report,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 11, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/12815.