Small Animal Radiology and Ultrasound: A Diagnostic Atlas and Text

Chapter Two The Thorax 121
Fig. 2-96, cont’d C, An esophagram revealed that
the contrast material outlined the dilated thoracic
esophagus and did not extend beyond the level of
the soft-tissue density. D, Erect lateral and erect
ventrodorsal radiographs were obtained using a
horizontal x-ray beam. The contrast material has
moved into the caudal thoracic esophagus and outlines
the soft tissue–dense mass. There is indentation
of the contrast column with a central
outpouching, indicating constriction of the
esophageal lumen (arrows). The radiographic findings
are indicative of a soft-tissue mass in the caudal
thoracic esophagus. The erect radiographs with
the horizontal x-ray beam are useful in demonstrating
the mass more completely. Diagnosis:
Squamous cell carcinoma of the caudal thoracic
esophagus.
C
D
redundancy that has clinical manifestations similar to those associated with vascular ring
anomalies.
Masses around the esophageal hiatus, caudal mediastinal abscesses or tumors,
esophageal granulomas or tumors, hiatal or paraesophageal hernias, gastroesophageal
intussusception, or diaphragmatic masses may be differentiated by an esophageal contrast
study. Caudal mediastinal or diaphragmatic masses are extraluminal and may displace the
esophagus but will not involve the esophageal mucosa.
E S O P H AG E A L F O R E I G N B O D I E S
Esophageal foreign bodies may be radiopaque and easily identified or tissue dense and
less readily detected. 250-253 Foreign bodies usually lodge at the thoracic inlet, cranial to