Acute onset dysphagia associated with an intramural oesophageal haematoma in acquired haemophilia

Abstract

A 78-year-old man presented with a 5-day history of epistaxis and spontaneous bruising, and a 2-day history of acute dysphagia. Barium swallow, computerized tomography scan of the chest and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were suggestive of an upper oesophageal tumour, although biopsies failed to confirm this. Investigations including a raised activated partial thromboplastin time led to the detection of an inhibitor causing functional factor VIII deficiency. Following treatment with intravenous human immunoglobulin, oral prednisolone and oral cyclophosphamide, the patient's dysphagia resolved. There was a resolution of the findings seen at the initial endoscopy and on computerized tomography scan of the chest, consistent with an oesophageal haematoma. Follow-up endoscopy failed to detect recurrence or an aetiological factor.