A rare case of Boerhaave syndrome with cervico-thoracic esophageal junction rupture causing bilateral empyema; case report from Nepal

Bikash Khadka; Kishor Khanal; Puja Dahal; Hemant Adhikari

doi:10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108018

A rare case of Boerhaave syndrome with cervico-thoracic esophageal junction rupture causing bilateral empyema; case report from Nepal

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2023 Apr:105:108018. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108018. Epub 2023 Mar 21.

Authors

Bikash Khadka¹, Kishor Khanal², Puja Dahal², Hemant Adhikari²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Nepal Mediciti, Nepal. Electronic address: Khadka.vkas@gmail.com.
² Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Nepal Mediciti, Nepal.

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Boerhaave syndrome is a rare finding where spontaneous rupture of esophagus occurs, usually in distal segment. It is a life threatening condition that requires urgent surgical intervention.

Case presentation: We present a case of 70 years male who presented with pleural effusion and later empyema following spontaneous rupture of cervico-thoracic junction of esophagus who was managed successfully with primary surgical repair.

Clinical discussion: Although Boerhaave syndrome is tricky to diagnose but it should be considered in all cases with a combination of gastrointestinal and pulmonary signs and symptoms.

Conclusion: Clinical correlation along with imaging such as HRCT chest or gastrografin study is required to come to a diagnosis, however surgical intervention should not be delayed to reduce the mortality.

Keywords: Boerhaave syndrome; Empyema; Esophageal rupture.

Publication types

Case Reports