Pleural and mediastinal changes following endoscopic injection sclerotherapy of esophageal varices.

Abstract
Postero-anterior and lateral chest radiographs of patients undergoing endoscopic injection sclerotherapy of esophageal varices were reviewed. Radiographs were obtained prior to and within 48 h of treatment. Following sclerotherapy, pleural effusions and densities were commonly seen at the azygoesophageal reflection and the posterior wall of the bronchus intermedius; on follow-up they had resolved. Most patients were asymptomatic, and morbidity was low. Evidently inflammation developing after endoscopic injection sclerotherapy extends beyond the esophageal wall into the mediastinum and pleural space.