Nonaneurysmatic Dysphagia Aortica in the Elderly: Three Case Reports and Literature Review

SummaryDysphagia is a remarkably prevalent disorder in the elderly. Both age-related changes in swallowing physiology and age-related diseases are predisposing factors for dysphagia in the elderly. Dysphagia aortica is a rare etiology of dysphagia resulting from extrinsic compression of the esophagus by an aneurysm or by a tortuous and elongated thoracic aorta. Clinical findings of dysphagia aortica resemble those of esophageal malignancy or esophageal motility disorders. Dysphagia aortica not related to an aneurysm is usually observed in the elderly, especially in female patients with hypertensive cardiomyopathy or kyphosis. However, dysphagia aortica may occur in the aging population without underlying aneurysm or kyphosis. Here, we report three cases of nonaneurysmatic dysphagia aortica and review the literature to report the diagnostic approach and treatments used for this condition. Dysphagia aortica should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dysphagia, especially in the growing elderly population with cardiovascular disease or hypertension.