CTICasesBoerhaave's Syndrome (Esophageal Perforation) Secondary to Food Bolus Obstruction
▶ Watch on YouTube — age-restricted, cannot embed here
Imaging findings
Chest radiograph and CT demonstrate pneumomediastinum, extensive subcutaneous emphysema, and pneumorachis (gas around the spinal cord). The esophagus is distended with fluid, focally dilates just below the carina, and then empties, suggesting an obstruction. An esophagram vividly shows a filling defect in the esophagus with contrast bypassing it.
Key takeaways
Boerhaave's syndrome, or spontaneous esophageal perforation, can be triggered by severe retching, especially in the setting of distal esophageal obstruction (e.g., a food bolus). Imaging findings include pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema, and potentially pneumorachis. Esophagram is crucial for confirming the site and extent of the perforation or obstruction. Conservative management may be appropriate for contained micro-tears.
AI-assisted summary — may contain errors. Verify against the source video. Learn more
More from this webinar
- Organizing Pneumonia Triggered by Radiation TherapyInflammatory
- Pacemaker Lead Complications (Shredded/Stuck Lead and Broken Lead Fragment)Iatrogenic
- Right Hemidiaphragmatic Dysfunction Post Atrial AblationIatrogenic
- Miliary Coccidioidomycosis in AIDS PatientInfection
- Necrotic Adenocarcinoma Mimicking Lung AbscessNeoplastic
- Diffuse Pulmonary Calcifications in Alveolar Septal AmyloidosisMetabolic
- Mammary Fibromatosis (Desmoid Tumor) Post Breast Implant SurgeryNeoplastic
- Esophageal Submucosal Metastasis from Breast CancerNeoplastic
See all cases from June 12, 2015 →
Related Trauma cases
- Grade 3 Blunt Traumatic Aortic Injury
- Pleural Splenosis Post-Traumatic Splenectomy
- Traumatic Pneumatoceles/Lacerations in a Post-Transplant Lung Hernia
- Traumatic Innominate Artery Injury with Pseudoaneurysm
- Pulmonary Interstitial Emphysema and Pneumomediastinum (Macklin Effect)
- Subglottic and Tracheal Narrowing with Tracheomalacia Post-Inhalation Injury