To show the imaging findings of oesofageal caustic exposure in the acute phase and the chronic follow up. Depending on the amount/severity of exposure we describe different levels of stenosis and different treatment options.

Oesophageal, pharyngeal, laryngeal, and oral lesions may be caused by the accidental or intentional ingestion of caustic substances. The caustic effect is a tissutal necrosis with an acute edematous phase, followed by a progressive fibrotic stenosis due to the healing process that reduces the oesophageal lumen only to a few millimeters. In the acute stage, perforation and necrosis may occur. Long-term complications include stricture formation in the esophagus, antral stenosis and eventually the development of esophageal carcinoma. Alkali and acids, due to their different mechanisms...

All the patients enrolled in this study have been evaluated both in acute and during the clinical evolution phase. In acute phase we performed esophagography with water-soluble contrast agent and computed tomography to identify perivisceral collections, fistulae or other complications. Then we chose barium contrast study in chronic phase. During the acute phase the radiological findings in our patients were mucosal and submucosal edema, abnormal oesophageal motility, narrowed segment of the lumen. (Fig 1-2-3-4) In the chronic follow up the findings were areas of stenosis...

Oesophageal X ray study is the best diagnostic choice, because is rapid and with a little patient discomfort and allows repeated follow up exams to evaluate the therapeutical strategy. Both in acute and chronic phase is absolutely necessary for treatment’s planning and follow up. The important role of radiology is in the acute phase: to evaluate the damage and complications; and even more in the chronic phase: these patients are affected by the reparative fibrosis stenosis that has to be treated with serial and gradual...

Giulia Gherarducci MD. Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Pisa, Italy. E-mail:[email protected]

- Ingestion of caustic substances and its complications Mamede RC, de Mello Filho FV. Sao PauloMed J 2001;119:10-15 - Treatment of caustic ingestion: an analysis of 239 cases Mamede RC, de Mello Filho FV. DisEsophagus 2002;15:210-213 -Surgical management of esophageal strictures after caustic burns: A 30 years of experience Yong Han, Qing-Shu Cheng, Xiao-Fei Li, Xiao-Ping Wang World J Gastroenterol 2004October1;10(19):2846-2849 -Predictors of Esophageal Stricture in Children with unintentional ingestion of Caustic Agents Tsung-Yi Chen, MD; Sheung-Fat Ko1, MD; Jiin-Haur Chuang2, MD; Hsin-Wei Kuo3, MD;...