Spontaneous esophageal rupture following severe vomiting in pregnancy

Dis Esophagus. 2002;15(3):242-3. doi: 10.1046/j.1442-2050.2002.00236.x.

Abstract

Spontaneous esophageal perforation is an uncommon finding requiring prompt diagnosis and immediate surgery because of its high mortality rate. Esophageal rupture secondary to severe vomiting in pregnancy is extremely rare and only four cases have been published in the literature. We report the case of a 20-year-old female in whom severe vomiting in early pregnancy resulted in esophageal perforation with subcutaneous emphysema. The diagnosis was made 48 h later. The patient had undergone surgical treatment and the postoperative period was uneventful. The unusual cause and the interesting clinical course of esophageal rupture are described.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Esophageal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Esophageal Diseases / etiology*
  • Esophageal Diseases / surgery
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hyperemesis Gravidarum / complications*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications / surgery*
  • Pregnancy Outcome*
  • Pregnancy Trimester, First
  • Radiography
  • Risk Assessment
  • Rupture, Spontaneous / diagnostic imaging
  • Rupture, Spontaneous / etiology
  • Rupture, Spontaneous / surgery
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome