[Spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus. Two cases recently seen in an intensive care unit]

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Presse Med. 2004 Feb 28;33(4):250-2. Related Articles, Links

 

[spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus. Two cases recently seen in an

intensive care unit]

[Article in French]

Koffel C, Dangelse G, Italiano C, Hennia F, Potelon P, Haegy JM.

Service d'accueil des urgences, Hopitaux Civils de Colmar.

koffel.catherine@...

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus, also called Boerhaave's

syndrome, is rare. Since its clinical manifestations are non specific, it

must be evoked when confronted the sudden onset of chest or upper abdominal

pain. OBSERVATIONS: Two patients were admitted to the emergency department

with severe chest pain associated with vomiting. The CT scan obtained

rapidly, revealed the perforation of the oesophagus. Despite early surgical

treatment, only one patient survived, the second died of infectious

complications. COMMENTS: Boerhaave's syndrome is fatal unless promptly

recognized and adequately treated. A CT scan of the chest is the procedure

of choice demonstrating the rupture.

Publication Types:

* Case Reports

PMID: 15029012 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]