Cleft palate: a rare complication following esophageal stent implantation.

A 50-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of increasing dysphagia. She had been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus 2 years previously and started on treatment with tacrolimus and corticosteroids. Multiple diverticula of the esophagus were confirmed and the largest diverticulum was located next to the cardia. Esophagogram showed delayed passage of contrast into the stomach, and gastroscopy revealed a dilated esophagus with retained liquid and increased resistance at the cardia ([Fig. 1 a–c]). The patient refused to undergo endoscopic or surgical myotomy as she was concerned about the treatment risks. Therefore, esophageal stent implantation was believed to be an option for this case.