[Boerhaave's Syndrome. Case report and literature review].

OBJECTIVE

Report of a case of spontaneous perforation of esophagus in a 70-year-old patient.

BACKGROUND

Boerhaave syndrome or spontaneous esophageal perforation is a life-threatening condition that demands early diagnosis and urgent management. Without surgical intervention, spontaneous perforation of esophagus is virtually incompatible with life. The classic history is of a patient who vomits and experiences epigastric or substernal pain. Diagnosis is often delayed because esophageal perforations can masquerade as many other clinical disorders.

METHODS

Report of a case of a patient with Boerhaave syndrome referred to our institution.

CONCLUSION

Boerhaave syndrome is suspected on a clinical basis and confirmed with radiologic studies. As gastric content passes to mediastinum and usually pleural space, a delay in diagnosis raises morbidity and mortality significantly. This pathology is best treated with definitive repair and mediastinal and/or pleural drainage procedures.