Delayed esophageal hemorrhage caused by a metal stent: treatment with embolization

Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 1998 Sep-Oct;21(5):428-30. doi: 10.1007/s002709900293.

Abstract

We report a case of life-threatening esophageal hemorrhage after metal stent implantation successfully treated by arterial embolization. An 85-year-old woman was admitted in shock secondary to massive hematemesis and melena. Recent medical history revealed esophageal cancer treated 8 weeks previously by endoesophageal radiotherapy (40 Gy) and endoscopic placement of a covered Wall-stent prosthesis. Selective arteriography of the fifth posterior right intercostal artery showed massive contrast extravasation in the esophagus. Embolization was performed with 150-250-micron polyvinyl alcohol particles. Follow-up at 5 months was uneventful. Arteriography and embolization are advised when severe hemorrhage occurs after esophageal implantation of metal stents.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Angiography
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / complications
  • Catheterization / adverse effects*
  • Catheterization / instrumentation
  • Embolization, Therapeutic*
  • Esophageal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Esophageal Diseases / etiology*
  • Esophageal Diseases / therapy
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / complications
  • Esophageal Stenosis / etiology
  • Esophageal Stenosis / therapy*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging
  • Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Hemorrhage / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Metals
  • Stents / adverse effects*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Metals