Journal List > Korean J Gastroenterol > v.68(4) > 1007566

Jo, Chon, Woo, and Kim: Endoscopic Resection of a Giant Esophageal Lipoma Causing Sudden Choking

Abstract

Most esophageal lipomas are discovered incidentally and are small and asymptomatic. However, large (>4 cm) lipomas may cause various symptoms, including dysphagia, regurgitation, or epigastric discomfort. We present a 45-year-old woman with intermittent sudden choking and globus pharyngeus. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound revealed an approximately 10.0×1.5 cm pedunculated subepithelial tumor in the upper esophagus, identified as the cause of her symptoms. A thoracic computed tomography scan revealed a fat attenuated longitudinal mass along the upper esophagus, suggestive of a lipoma. Endoscopic resection of the lesion was performed with a detachable snare to relieve her symptoms, and the pathologic findings were consistent with a lipoma.

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Fig. 1.
(A) Endoscopic images showing a pedunculated subepithelial tumor with a large pedicle covered with normal mucosa originating in the cervical esophagus (arrow). (B) Positive “pillow sign” and the yellowish, smooth mucosal surface are visible.
kjg-68-210f1.tif
Fig. 2.
(A) Thoracic computed tomography scan showing a longitudinal mass with fat density (arrow), elongated approximately 8 cm along the upper esophagus. (B) Endoscopic ultrasound showing a hyperechoic lesion with a smooth margin arising from the submucosal layer of the esophagus (arrowheads).
kjg-68-210f2.tif
Fig. 3.
(A) The placement of a detachable snare around the thick stalk of the esophageal subepithelial tumor. (B) Resection defect after removal of the subepithelial tumor using the standard diathermy snare.
kjg-68-210f3.tif
Fig. 4.
(A) Gross finding of the cut surface demonstrating a smooth and yellowish shaped mass, similar to a banana. (B) Histologic examination showing lobules of mature adipocytes, consistent with lipoma (H&E, ×40).
kjg-68-210f4.tif
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