Thoracic radiographs reveal air, fluid, or food in a dilated esophagus. The thoracic esophagus is usually uniformly dilated, and a large ventral deviation may present anterior to the heart. The cervical esophagus may also be dilated. Strictures, foreign bodies, or a vascular ring anomaly should be ruled out with an esophagogram or esophagoscopy. Surgery is indicated for a vascular ring anomaly.
Medical management is indicated for congenital or acquired idiopathic megaesophagus.
A feeding schedule of frequent small meals is preferred. All rights reserved.