[Dysphagia associated with aorto-cardiac compression on the distal esophagus: a rare event but not exceptional in the elderly].

Among the pathologies responsible for dysphagia in the elderly, the aortic compression on the distal oesophagus awakens a certain clinical interest. Cipho-lordosis, which is often present in aged females, worsens the effects of this compression causing other kinkings on the oesophagus already hypokinetic because of the age (presbyoesophagus). This illness often shows scare symptoms, but sometimes requires a pneumatic dilation to allow normal food assumption of the patient. The authors report on their experience of two cases, clearly documented from the diagnostic point of view; the first one was given medical treatment, the second one was treated with a pneumatic dilatation of the cardias.