Intramural oesophageal dissection

Intramural oesophageal dissection is an uncommon but important clinical condition. It often occurs in patients who are anticoagulated, and the clinical presentation may include chest pain, dysphagia and haematemesis. The aim of this review was to determine an appropriate treatment algorithm for patients with suspected intramural oesophageal dissection. We conducted a literature review using PubMed and MedLine up until December 2008. We also reported on our own case series of three patients with intramural oesophageal dissection presenting at two Adelaide hospitals over the past 5 years. Recognition of the risk factors and clinical symptoms associated with this condition is imperative to avoid unnecessary and potentially harmful investigations and therapy. Intramural oesophageal dissection usually follows a benign course requiring conservative therapy only.