Spontaneous rupture of the esophagus. Report of two cases successfully treated by intravenous high caloric nutrition and review of 59 cases collected from Japanese literature

Spontaneous perforation of the cervical oesophagus

A case of spontaneous perforation of the cervical oesophagus is presented. It appears to be the tenth such case in the world medical literature, and the first to be reported from the Southern Hemisphere. The need for awareness of this pathologic entity is stressed, and cold water polydipsia is suggested as a diagnostic marker.

Rupture of the abdominal oesophagus: a review

'Spontaneous' rupture of the oesophagus usually affects the lower third, less commonly the middle third and rarely the cervical oesophagus. Rupture limited to the intra-abdominal oesophagus is rare. Such a case is described here and previously reported cases are reviewed. Vomiting-induced gastro-oesophageal injuries and their aetiology are discussed and the management of spontaneous rupture is reviewed.