Primary Esophageal Rhabdomyosarcoma: An Exceptionally Rare Cause of Pediatric Dysphagia.

Abstract

Background: Esophageal embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS), a rare pediatric cancer, mimicked achalasia in a case involving dysphagia and vomiting. Diagnosis and chemotherapy necessitate careful monitoring due to potential complications. Case presentation: A 12-year-old girl with no prior medical history presented with progressive dysphagia and vomiting. Initial diagnosis suggested achalasia, but further evaluation revealed a large mediastinal mass causing esophageal compression. Biopsies confirmed primary ERMS of the esophagus with metastases. Despite chemotherapy, she developed complications, including neutropenic enterocolitis and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Unfortunately, she succumbed to neutropenic sepsis. Conclusion: In this case study, we presented our experience regarding the clinical course of this disease, treatment strategy, and prognosis, in addition to the limited previous information in the literature.