Abstract |
Spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus (Boerhaave's syndrome) is a rare life-threatening disease requiring urgent surgical management. Symptoms can masquerade many other clinical disorders like acute myocardial infarction, dissecting aneurysm or upper gastro-intestinal tract diseases. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, Boerhaave's syndrome has a very high mortality rate. We report a case of perforation of the distal oesophagus. A 40-year-old male patient presented at the emergency department with a classic history of acute epigastric pain and dyspnoea after an episode of vomiting. On clinical examination we found a firm, tender abdomen and cervical subcutaneous emphysema. Boerhaave's syndrome was suspected on a clinical basis and was confirmed by thoraco-abdominal CT scan, showing an apparent pneumomediastinum and fluid at both lung bases. The patient underwent surgical repair of the distal oesophageal tear by laparoscopy. A mediastinal drain was left behind and a feeding gastrostomy was established. After initial improvement, the patient developed fever and dyspnoea. A thoracic CT scan revealed left-sided empyema. A thoracoscopic drainage of pus was performed and antibacterial and antifungal treatment was adapted. The patient recovered well and was discharged from the hospital 34 days after admission.
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Authors | C Toelen, L Hendrickx, R Van Hee |
Journal | Acta chirurgica Belgica
(Acta Chir Belg)
Vol. 107
Issue 4
Pg. 402-4
( 2007)
ISSN: 0001-5458 [Print] England |
PMID | 17966533
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)
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Topics |
- Acute Disease
- Adult
- Esophageal Diseases
(surgery)
- Humans
- Laparoscopy
(methods)
- Male
- Rupture, Spontaneous
(surgery)
- Syndrome
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