Spontaneous esophageal cancer perforation managed with Fully Covered Self Expandable Metallic Stent (FCSEMS)

Abstract

Esophageal cancer is one of the 7 most common cancers in the world. It usually presents with dysphagia, persistent vomiting, weight loss, loss of appetite and anorexia. However, 1% of esophageal cancer might perforate causing severe abdominal pain. We present the case of a 30-year- old man with sudden onset of epigastric pain for one day duration. He had a history of progressive dysphagia, vomiting, weight loss and loss of appetite for the past three months. CT thorax and abdomen revealed a circumferential mass at the lower esophagus with the presence of pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum suggestive of esophageal perforation. The patient was successfully treated endoscopically by using a Fully Covered Self-Expandable Metallic Stent (FCSEMS) to maintain lumen patency and cover the area of the perforation.