Correct!
1. The barium esophagram shows diffuse esophageal dilation tapering near the gastro-esophageal junction
The barium esophagram shows a diffusely dilated esophagus tapering to a normal caliber at the gastro-esophageal junction. While the esophagus is dilated, the appearance does not resemble the “sacculation” typical of scleroderma involvement of the esophagus; note that the distal esophagus is not dilated as is typical of scleroderma, but instead tapers to a non-distended appearance. No evidence of pneumomediastinum or extraluminal contrast extension to suggest esophageal injury is present. No features to suggest acute gastric torsion are present; the stomach is largely decompressed.
The patient continued to complain of shortness of breath.
At this point, which of the following represents the most appropriate step in this patient’s management? (click on the correct answer to be directed to the ninth of eleven pages)