Extensive preoperative workup in diffuse esophageal leiomyomatosis associated with Alport syndrome influences surgical treatment: A case report

Thoracoscopy-Assisted Esophagectomy for Esophageal Leiomyomatosis

INTRODUCTION

Diffuse esophageal leiomyomatosis is a rare esophageal tumor characterized by circumferential thickening of smooth muscle layers of the entire esophagus. CLINICAL CASE: Herein, we describe the case of a 19-year-old girl, who presented with a history of long-standing dysphagia. On evaluation she was found to have diffuse esophageal leiomyomatosis and was managed successfully by thoracoscopy-assisted esophagectomy with intra-nodal indocyanine green injection.

DISCUSSION

In this report, we discuss the pre-operative workup and our surgical approach to managing this rare entity. We also discuss the available literature on the subject and the lessons learnt in managing this complex condition.

Smooth Muscle Conditions of the Chest: A Clinical, Radiologic, and Pathologic Review

Smooth muscle conditions of the chest have diverse clinical and imaging manifestations and may involve nearly every thoracic structure. Differentiation among these conditions requires the integration of clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic data. Histologic examination in conjunction with immunohistochemistry is essential for differentiation from other spindle cell neoplastic mimics. Familiarity with these entities will ensure the inclusion of smooth muscle conditions in the differential diagnosis of thoracic soft tissue lesions and potentially guide the clinician in appropriate management. We review the clinical, imaging, and histopathologic features of thoracic smooth muscle-related conditions organized by the anatomic structures affected.

Diffuse leiomyomatosis with circumferential thickening of the gastrointestinal wall, resembling human diffuse leiomyomatosis, in a young miniature dachshund

Leiomyoma is the most common mesenchymal tumor in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Leiomyomas usually have a single or multinodular mass of various sizes, and affected animals can develop alimentary symptoms depending on the location and size. A 3-year old female miniature dachshund died after a history of refractory rectal prolapse, esophagectasis and aspiration pneumonia. At necropsy, the GI wall at the gastroesophageal and anorectal junctions was circumferentially thickened. Histologically, both GI lesions were composed of bundles of well-differentiated smooth muscles without mass formation or invasive growth. The neoplastic cells had little cellular atypia and low proliferative activity, and were positive for α-smooth muscle actin. The lesions were diagnosed as diffuse leiomyomatosis with circumferential thickening of the GI wall and has not been described in the veterinary literature.

Alport-leiomyomatosis syndrome requiring subtotal esophagectomy for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease after childhood partial esophagogastrectomy: a case report

Alport-leiomyomatosis syndrome is an extremely rare condition occurring at a young age in which Alport syndrome coexists with diffuse leiomyomatosis of the digestive tract (primarily the esophagus). Most patients with diffuse esophageal leiomyomatosis require esophagectomy of variable extents. A 20-year-old man with Alport-leiomyomatosis syndrome was diagnosed with dysphasia and hematuria in childhood. Although he underwent partial esophagogastrectomy at 8 years of age, extremely severe gastroesophageal reflux symptoms were noted postoperatively. He was diagnosed with refractory severe reflux esophagitis associated with diffuse leiomyomatosis and esophagogastric anastomosis, for which he underwent subtotal esophagectomy, gastric tube reconstruction, and esophagogastric anastomosis in the left neck. The postoperative course was generally good, and he had no postoperative reflux symptoms. To achieve long-term control of symptoms, the lesion must be removed completely; nevertheless, unnecessarily extensive esophagectomy should be avoided.

Diffuse esophageal leiomyomatosis: A case report with surgical correlation

A 15 year old female with a history only significant for long standing dysphagia and intermittent chest pain underwent a screening chest radiograph. Findings of a large mass prompted cross sectional imaging where extensive and marked diffuse esophageal thickening was demonstrated. The patient ultimately underwent biopsy and surgical resection for diffuse esophageal leiomyomatosis. Diffuse leiomyomatosis of the esophagus has been described in the literature for about 100 years with increasing recognition in more recent times. There is a known association with inherited syndromes such as Alport and Esophageal-Vulvar syndrome, though some cases are sporadic. This case report will demonstrate the imaging features of diffuse esophageal leiomyomatosis utilizing multiple modalities including radiography, fluoroscopy, CT, and MRI, with surgical and pathologic correlation.

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Diffuse Thickened Esophageal Wall in an Adolescent

Achalasia is an extremely rare pathology in children. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is the gold standard for the surgical treatment of achalasia in adults, but only a limited number of cases of achalasia treatment using POEM in children have been published in the literature. Sometimes, high-resolution manometry signs of achalasia can mimic diffuse esophageal leiomyoma. This case report represents the first known successful performance of POEM on a 15-year-old female with diffuse thickening of the esophagus with signs and symptoms of achalasia and suspicion for Alport syndrome associated with diffuse esophageal leiomyoma.