[Cervico-mediastinal inflammatory pseudotumors due to esophageal perforation by foreign bodies]

Abstract

Two patients suffered from superior mediastinal masses producing pain and dysphagia. They were investigated using imagery and endoscopy without a definite diagnosis being made. It was finally decided to perform a cervical exploration in both cases and this enabled a diagnosis of perforation of the oesophagus and pseudo-tumoral abscess to be made. The foreign body responsible was found in one case. The symptoms and signs of oesophageal perforation by foreign body may be misleading when they are chronic or delayed. There remains a place for surgical exploration when other methods have failed.