Other Names : Esophageal rupture
What is Boerhaaves Syndrome ? Boerhaaves Syndrome? Refers to rupture of the esophageal wall.
Cause(s) :
Injury caused by medical instrumentation such as endoscopy
Sudden increase in intraesophageal pressure caused by straining or vomiting
Infectious ulcers in patients with AIDS
Dilation of esophageal strictures
Symptoms :
Severe retching and vomiting
Excruciating pain in retrosternal chest and upper abdomen
Mackler’s triad: Chest pain, vomiting and subcutaneous emphysema
Pain can radiate to left shoulder causing physicians to consider myocardial infarction as a diagnosis.
Diagnosis and Tests :
Radiography
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
Examination of pleural fluid in patients presenting with pleural effusion
Saliva test for squamous cells
Esophagram
Specialist to consult : Gastroenterology
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