Intramural hematoma (incomplete perforation) of the esophagus associated with esophageal dilatation.

Five cases of intramural hematoma of the esophagus complicating esophageal dilatation are presented along with a review of the literature. In all 5 patients, this complication developed during dilatation for benign stricture. The esophagram in each patient demonstrated double columns of contrast material separated by a radiolucent stripe, characteristic of incomplete tear of the esophagus. All 5 responded to conservative management without complication.