Conservative treatment of esophageal perforation related to a peptic ulcer with pyloric stenosis

Tension hydropneumothorax as the initial presentation of Boerhaave syndrome

Boerhaave syndrome, a rare yet frequently fatal diagnosis, is characterized by the spontaneous transmural rupture of the esophagus. The classic presentation of Boerhaave syndrome is characterized by Mackler's triad, consisting of chest pain, vomiting, and subcutaneous emphysema. However, Boerhaave syndrome rarely presents with all the features of Mackler's triad; instead, the common presentation of Boerhaave syndrome includes chest or epigastric pain, severe retching and vomiting, dyspnea, and shock. These symptoms are typically misdiagnosed as cardiogenic in origin. Due to its atypical presentation, rarity, and mimicry of emergent conditions, diagnosis of Boerhaave syndrome is often delayed, resulting in a high mortality rate at the time of diagnosis and with a subsequent exponential increase in mortality if treatment is delayed by greater than 48 hours. Here, we report two atypical presentations of Boerhaave syndrome presenting as tension hydropneumothorax and review ten previously reported cases of Boerhaave syndrome presenting as tension hydropneumothorax. This review serves to raise clinician awareness about the expansive and elusive ways by which esophageal perforation may present, and thereby facilitate timely and potentially life-saving diagnosis.

Endoscopic clipping of spontaneous esophageal rupture: Case reports of three patients

INTRODUCTION

Spontaneous esophageal rupture is a life-threatening condition which is difficult to diagnose early, and is usually treated surgically. Prolonged hospitalization is common. Non-operative treatment of esophageal rupture localized to the mediastinum has been reported. We report three patients with spontaneous esophageal rupture successfully managed with endoscopic clipping.

CASE PRESENTATIONS

Two patients had ruptures localized to the mediastinum, and were discharged within one week of undergoing closure. The third patient presented with Boerhaave's syndrome with a leak into the pleural space and needed prolonged hospitalization (34days), but she did not need surgery and began oral intake two days after endoscopic clipping. The patient had an uneventful recovery.

Transabdominal approach assisted by thoracoscopic drainage for lower esophageal perforation

The effectiveness of use of thoracoscopy for esophageal perforation has not been fully evaluated. We herein report a case of esophageal perforation for which a transabdominal approach assisted by thoracoscopic drainage was performed.