Leiomyomata of the Esophagus

Abstract

Of the several hundred leiomyomata of the esophagus reported, only eight cases have been discovered with an associated diverticulum. Five of the eight were originally described as autopsy findings,^{13, 1}while more recently three have been clinically evaluated and surgically removed.^{11, 12, 15}Of interest also is the frequency of an associated hiatus hernia with those leiomyomata occurring in the lower third of the esophagus. Eight such cases have been reported, and it is speculative what might be the causal relationship. This paper will make no attempt to review the literature since an excellent detailed summary has been prepared by Lewis and Maxfield¹but rather will report on four cases and their findings. Of particular interest is one case of an associated diverticulum and a calcified leiomyoma; two other cases are incidental findings on thoracotomy and one was an autopsy finding. A résumé of cases follows: CASE