Occult spontaneous esophageal perforation. Unusual clinical and radiographic presentation.

Published

Journal Article

We report a unique presentation of spontaneous esophageal perforation or Boerhaave's syndrome. Our patient had no risk factors predisposing her to barogenic rupture of the esophagus, and she had none of the "classic" presenting signs. She was asymptomatic, and her clinical course appeared to be chronic. Her chest roentgenogram demonstrated bilateral thick-walled cavities with air-fluid levels. Computerized axial tomography of the chest and swallow of meglumine diatrizoate (Gastrografin) showed the cavities and esophagus to communicate. This patient's presentation and radiographic studies extend the reported description of Boerhaave's syndrome.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Glenny, RW; Fulkerson, WJ; Ravin, CE

Published Date

  • September 1987

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 92 / 3

Start / End Page

  • 562 - 565

PubMed ID

  • 3622036

Pubmed Central ID

  • 3622036

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0012-3692

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1378/chest.92.3.562

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States