Esophageal Perforation by Fish Bone Ingestion Causing Purulent Pericarditis.

A previously healthy 38-year-old woman presented with new-onset sudden chest pain radiating to the back, associated with cough, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, and gastric fullness after eating a bony fish. A diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease was made. After a week of progressive worsening of her symptoms, she was referred to the specialist hospital. There, computed tomography imaging strongly suggested that a likely fishbone had penetrated the esophagus into the mediastinal structures; it seemed to have produced a pneumopericardium. Other tests suggested diffuse changes in ventricular repolarization, pericardial thickening, and diastolic restriction. Exploratory thoracotomy confirmed esophageal-pericardial perforation by the fishbone and purulent pericarditis. Despite appropriate surgical repair, the patient died on fifth postoperative day from an asystolic cardiac arrest that was refractory to repeated attempts to resuscitate her.

Endoscopic self-expandable metal stent versus endoscopy vacuum therapy for traumatic esophageal perforations: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic esophageal perforations (TEP) are a grave medical condition and require immediate intervention. Techniques such as Esophageal Self-Expandable Metal Stent (E-SEMS) and Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy (EVT) show promise in reducing tissue damage and controlling esophageal leakage. The present study aims to compare the application of EVT to E-SEMS placement in TEP. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study valuated 30 patients with TEP. The E-SEMS and EVT groups were assessed for time of hospitalization, treatment duration, costs, and clinical outcome. RESULTS: Patients treated with EVT (24.4 ± 13.2) demonstrated significantly shorter treatment duration (p < 0.005) compared to the group treated with E-SEMS (45.8 ± 12.9) and patients submitted to E-SEMS demonstrated a significant reduction (p = 0.02) in the time of hospitalization compared to the EVT (34 ± 2 vs 82 ± 5 days). Both groups demonstrated a satisfactory discharge rate (E-SEMS 93.7% vs EVT 71.4%) but did not show statistically significant difference (p = 0.3155). E-SEMS treatment had a lower mean cost than EVT (p < 0.05). Descriptive statistics were utilized, arranged in table form, where frequencies, percentages, mean, median, and standard deviation of the study variables were calculated and counted. The Fisher's Exact Test was used to evaluate the relationship between two categorical variables. To evaluate differences between means and central points, the parametric t-test was utilized. Comparisons with p value up to 0.05 were considered significant. CONCLUSION: E-SEMS showed a shorter time of hospitalization, but a longer duration of treatment compared to EVT. The placement of E-SEMS and EVT had the same clinical outcome. Treatment with E-SEMS had a lower cost compared with EVT.

Multimodal Endoscopic Management of Esophageal Perforations as a Complication of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for a Zenker's Diverticulum.

Zenker's diverticulum develops because of a weakness in Killian's triangle, leading to a mucosal and submucosal herniation. Its treatment has evolved from morbid surgical interventions to safer endoscopic techniques such as peroral endoscopic myotomy (Z-POEM). Despite being a safe technique, Z-POEM is not free of complications such as perforations, bleeding, pneumoperitoneum, and pneumothorax, for which new endoscopic techniques have been developed. We present the case of a 53-year-old man taken to a Z-POEM who postoperatively presented dehiscence of the mucosotomy and a mediastinal collection, managed with a vacuum-assisted endoscopic closure device.

Boerhaave syndrome: Successful conservative treatment. Case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Spontaneous esophageal perforation or "Boerhaave" syndrome is an uncommon pathology, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Clinical scores such as the Pittsburgh classification could guide the treatment and helps to assess mortality risk. Conservative management could be performed in selected cases. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 19-year-old male patient with a previous history of anxiety and depression, who enters the emergency room with vomiting and epigastric pain followed by swelling at the neck and dysphagia. Neck tomography and chest tomography were obtained showing subcutaneous emphysema. Conservative management was indicated and after 10 days of in-hospital stay and no complications, the patient was discharged. Any complication was observed after 30, 60, and 90 days of follow-up. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Selected patients with Boerhaave syndrome could benefit from conservative management. Risk classification could be performed using the Pittsburgh score. Nil per os, antibiotic treatment, and nutritional support are the cornerstone of nonoperative management. CONCLUSION: Boerhaave syndrome it's an infrequent pathology, with mortality rates ranging between 30 and 50 %. Early identification and on-time management are required to have favorable outcomes. Pittsburgh score can be used to guide the selection of patients who benefit from conservative treatment.

Major adverse events related to endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures in achalasia. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Surgical or endoscopic treatments play an essential role in the management of achalasia. The probability of adverse events in the performance of said treatments is a relevant aspect, when establishing the risk-benefit balance. The present study aimed to establish the association between serious adverse events and the performance of those procedures, in adult patients with achalasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systemic search of randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials, retrospective cohorts, and cases series on adult patients with achalasia that underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM), peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), or endoscopic balloon dilation, that reported serious adverse events, was carried out on the Medline, CENTRAL, and EBSCO databases. Serious adverse events were defined as: death at 30 days, Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher classification, esophageal or gastric perforation, pneumothorax, mucosal tear, leakage, emphysema, pneumonia, and chest pain. The methodology included the PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic reviews. RESULTS: Thirty-five studies were found that reported information on 1,276 patients that underwent POEM, 5,492 that underwent LHM, and 10,346 that underwent endoscopic balloon dilation. The proportions of adverse events for the three techniques were 3.6, 4.9, and 3.1%, respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The 3 therapeutic interventions evaluated had similar proportions of adverse events. There were few reports of death at 30 days as an outcome and the lack of standardization in reporting adverse events in the studies analyzed was prominent.

Barogenic perforation of the esophagus: An unusual manifestation / Perforación barogénica del esófago: una presentación inusual

Abstract Introduction: Typically, when esophageal perforation secondary to barotrauma is mentioned as the causal pathophysiological mechanism of perforation, the literature refers to spontaneous esophageal perforation or Boerhaave syndrome as an entity. It involves the longitudinal and transmural rupture of the esophagus (previously healthy) secondary to an abrupt increase in intraluminal esophageal pressure, frequently triggered during vomiting. However, in the medical literature, some reports list mechanisms of barotrauma other than this entity. Case report: A 64-year-old female patient with a history of surgically managed gastric adenocarcinoma (total gastrectomy and esophagoenteral anastomosis) presented with stenosis of the esophagojejunal anastomosis, which required an endoscopic dilatation protocol with a CRETM balloon. The third session of endoscopic dilation was held; in removing the endoscope, we identified a deep esophageal laceration with a 4 cm long perforation at the level of the middle esophagus (8 cm proximal to the dilated anastomosis), suspecting the mechanism of barotrauma as the causal agent. She required urgent transfer to the operating room, where we performed thoracoscopic esophagectomy, broad-spectrum empiric antimicrobial coverage, and enteral nutrition by advanced tube during in-hospital surveillance. The control esophagram at seven days showed a small leak over the anastomotic area, which was managed conservatively. Imaging control at 14 days showed a decrease in the size of the leak, with good evolution and tolerance to the oral route. The patient was later discharged.

Resumen Introducción: típicamente, cuando se menciona la perforación esofágica secundaria a barotrauma como el mecanismo fisiopatológico causal de la perforación, la literatura se refiere a la perforación esofágica espontánea o síndrome de Boerhaave como entidad, la cual hace referencia a la ruptura longitudinal y transmural del esófago (previamente sano) secundaria a un aumento abrupto de la presión intraluminal esofágica, que se desencadena frecuentemente durante el vómito. Sin embargo, en la literatura médica existen algunos reportes que mencionan otros mecanismos de barotrauma diferentes a esta entidad. Reporte de caso: se presenta el caso de una paciente de 64 años con antecedente de adenocarcinoma gástrico manejado quirúrgicamente (gastrectomía total y anastomosis esofagoenteral), quien presentaba estenosis de anastomosis esofagoyeyunal, que requirió un protocolo de dilatación endoscópica con balón CRETM. Se llevó a una tercera sesión de dilatación endoscópica, en la que durante la extracción del endoscopio se identificó una laceración esofágica profunda con perforación de 4 cm de longitud a nivel del esófago medio (8 cm proximal a anastomosis dilatada), y se sospechó del mecanismo de barotrauma como agente causal. Requirió traslado urgente a sala de cirugía, en la que se realizó esofagorrafia por toracoscopia, cubrimiento antimicrobiano empírico de amplio espectro y nutrición enteral por sonda avanzada durante la vigilancia intrahospitalaria. El esofagograma de control a los 7 días mostró una pequeña fuga sobre el área anastomótica, la cual se manejó de manera conservadora. El control imagenológico a los 14 días evidenció una disminución del tamaño de la fuga, con una evolución satisfactoria y tolerancia a la vía oral, y posteriormente se dio el egreso.

Síndrome de Boerhaave: manejo diagnóstico y terapéutico en el Hospital Regional de Talca / Boerhaave Syndrome: diagnostic and therapeutic management at the Hospital Regional de Talca

Introduction: Boerhaave syndrome is a spontaneous rupture of the esophageal wall caused by a sudden increase in intraesophageal pressure. It represents an incidence of approximately 15% of all esophageal perforations, which do not exceed 3.1 per 1 million inhabitants per year. Objectives: To communicate the clinical presentation and management of patients with this syndrome, as well as to reveal the different options available in our service for its treatment. Methods: Search in the statistical data of the regional Hospital of Talca for patients with a diagnosis of Boerhaave syndrome. Five patients were found. Information was obtained from their clinical records and is presented as a clinical case report with a descriptive analysis of their management. Results: Of the 5 clinical cases presented, a classic clinical presentation can be observed, most of the patients presented with vomiting that later evolved with thoracic and/or epigastric pain, associated with imaging studies suggesting esophageal perforation. Management was surgical in 100% of the cases, applying different techniques described in the literature. Discussion and Conclusion: Boerhaave syndrome is a medical-surgical emergency that requires timely management. In spite of the variety of management and the consequences of each one of them, all the patients had an evolution that allowed them to preserve their lives until nowadays. Keeping a high index of suspicion and choosing the best management will have an impact on morbidity and mortality.

Treatment of esophageal perforation: A review of our experience at a tertiary referral hospital spanning the past 19 years.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Esophageal perforation is an uncommon event that is a medical/surgical emergency, with a 15-30% mortality rate. The aim of the present study was to communicate our experience in the management of esophageal perforation, evaluating the different strategies utilized, in an effort to establish measures to guide decision-making in selecting treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on patients diagnosed with esophageal perforation at our hospital center, within the time frame of 2000 and 2019. RESULTS: Over the past 19 years, 15 patients were diagnosed with esophageal perforation. Surgical treatment was carried out in 80% of the cases. Primary closure, reinforced with plasty, was performed in 67% of the patients, of whom 62.5% had early diagnosis and a 100% survival rate. Diagnosis was late in 37.5% of the cases, with a 33.3% survival rate. Esophagectomy and gastric pull-up were performed on 25% of the patients, 66.6% of whom had early diagnosis and a 100% survival rate. In the 33.3% that had late diagnosis, the mortality rate was 100%. Esophagectomy, with cervical esophagostomy and feeding jejunostomy, was performed on one of the patients (8.3%) that had early diagnosis and a 100% survival rate. CONCLUSIONS: The main survival predictor in esophageal perforation is the interval of time between the injury and its diagnosis, and in turn, the resulting treatment. Each patient with esophageal perforation should have individualized treatment to adequately manage the condition.

Neumomediastino en trauma contuso: ¿son siempre necesarios los estudios invasivos para descartar lesión aerodigestiva? / Pneumomediastinum in blunt trauma: Are invasive studies always necessary to rule out aerodigestive injury?

Introducción. La presencia de neumomediastino secundario a un trauma contuso es un hallazgo común, especialmente con el uso rutinario de la tomografía computarizada. Aunque en la mayoría de los casos es secundario a una causa benigna, la posibilidad de una lesión aerodigestiva subyacente ha llevado a que se recomiende el uso rutinario de estudios endoscópicos para descartarla. El propósito de este estudio fue determinar la incidencia de neumomediastino secundario a trauma contuso y de lesiones aerodigestivas asociadas y establecer la utilidad de la tomografía computarizada multidetector en el diagnóstico de las lesiones aerodigestivas. Métodos. Mediante tomografía computarizada multidetector se identificaron los pacientes con diagnóstico de neumomediastino secundario a un trauma contuso en un periodo de 4 años en un Centro de Trauma Nivel I. Resultados. Fueron incluidos en el estudio 41 pacientes con diagnóstico de neumomediastino secundario a un trauma contuso. Se documentaron en total tres lesiones aerodigestivas, dos lesiones traqueales y una esofágica. Dos de estas fueron sospechadas en tomografía computarizada multidetector y confirmadas mediante fibrobroncoscopia y endoscopia digestiva superior, respectivamente, y otra fue diagnosticada en cirugía. Conclusión. El uso rutinario de estudios endoscópicos en los pacientes con neumomediastino secundario a trauma contuso no está indicado cuando los hallazgos clínicos y tomográficos son poco sugestivos de lesión aerodigestiva.

Introduction.The presence of pneumomediastinum secondary to blunt trauma is a common finding, especially with the use of computed tomography. Although in most cases the presence of pneumomediastinum is secondary to a benign etiology, the possibility of an underlying aerodigestive injuries has led to the recommendation of the routine use of endoscopic studies to rule them out. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of pneumomediastinum secondary to blunt trauma and associated injuries and to establish the role of multidetector computed tomography in the diagnosis of aerodigestive injuries. Methods.Using multidetector computed tomography, patients with a diagnosis of pneumomediastinum secondary to blunt trauma were identified over a period of 4 years in a Level 1 Trauma Center. Results. Forty-one patients diagnosed with pneumomediastinum secondary to blunt trauma, were included in this study. Two airway ruptures were documented: two tracheal injuries and one esophageal injury. Two of them suspected on multidetector computed tomography and confirmed on bronchoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy, respectively, and another was diagnosed in surgery. Conclusion.The routine use of endoscopic studies in patients with pneumomediastinum secondary to blunt trauma is not indicated when the clinical and tomographic findings are not suggestive of aerodigestive injury.

Lesão transfixante de carótida por espinha de peixe - relato de caso / Carotid artery perforation by fish bone - a case report

Abstract Accidental fish bone ingestion is a common complaint at emergency departments. The majority of cases have a benign course. However, serious complications such as esophagus perforation, cervical vessel injury and cervical abscess can occur in 7.4% of cases. Mortality rates can be as high as 50% when mediastinitis occurs. We report a case of an esophageal perforation caused by a fish bone with a lesion to the right common carotid artery after 20 days of evolution. Surgical exploration occurred with corrections of the lesion in the right common carotid and esophagus. Early identification of this kind of injury is paramount to prevent potentially fatal complications.

Abstract Accidental fish bone ingestion is a common complaint at emergency departments. The majority of cases have a benign course. However, serious complications such as esophagus perforation, cervical vessel injury and cervical abscess can occur in 7.4% of cases. Mortality rates can be as high as 50% when mediastinitis occurs. We report a case of an esophageal perforation caused by a fish bone with a lesion to the right common carotid artery after 20 days of evolution. Surgical exploration occurred with corrections of the lesion in the right common carotid and esophagus. Early identification of this kind of injury is paramount to prevent potentially fatal complications.

Conservative treatment of Boerhaave's syndrome in an octogenarian complicated with late distal esophageal stenosis and successfully treated by stent placement.

An 83-year-old female patient presented to the Emergency Department with shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing and left-sided chest pain following a vomiting attempt. A rupture in the left lower third of the esophagus, with hydropneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and subcutaneous emphysema was revealed by chest X-ray, thoracic computed tomography scan, and contrast esophagography. The patient was successfully treated conservatively with closed thoracostomy, intravenous fluids, parenteral nutrition, and broad-spectrum antibiotics coverage. Following the successful conservative treatment, the patient developed a distal esophageal stenosis which was treated with an intra-esophageal self-expanding stent.

Una paciente de 83 años acudió al Servicio de Urgencias con disnea, dificultad para tragar y dolor en el lado izquierdo del pecho tras un intento de vómito. Una rotura en el tercio inferior izquierdo del esófago, con hidroneumotórax, neumomediastino y enfisema subcutáneo fue revelada por radiografía de tórax, tomografía computarizada de tórax y esofagografía con contraste. El paciente fue tratado con éxito de manera conservadora con toracostomía cerrada, líquidos intravenosos, nutrición parenteral y cobertura de antibióticos de amplio espectro. Tras el exitoso tratamiento conservador, el paciente desarrolló una estenosis esofágica distal que fue tratada con un stent autoexpandible intraesofágico.

Colgajo muscular de esternocleidomastoídeo para el manejo de perforación esofágica tardía: reporte de dos casos / Muscle flap of sternocleidomastoid for the management of late esophageal perforation: report of two cases

Resumen Introducción: La perforación esofágica es una complicación poco frecuente en la cirugía de columna cervical por vía anterior, sin embargo, puede tener graves consecuencias cuando hay demoras en diagnóstico y tratamiento. Casos Clínicos: Presentamos dos casos clínicos de pacientes con perforación esofágica secundaria a cirugía de columna cervical por vía anterior. Se usaron para su reparación colgajo muscular de esternocleidomastoideo (ECM). Conclusión: La perforación esofágica secundaria a cirugía de columna cervical es poco frecuente, variable desde el punto de vista clínico, el TC y estudio radiológico contrastado son fundamentales en el diagnóstico de esta patología. El colgajo muscular ECM en estos casos es una herramienta fiable y extremadamente útil debido a sus características anatómicas, fácil disección quirúrgica y baja morbilidad asociada.

Introduction: Esophageal perforation is a rare complication in cervical spine surgery by anterior way, however it can have serious consequences when there are delays in diagnosis and treatment. Cases Report: We present two clinical cases of patients with esophageal perforation secondary to cervical spine surgery by anterior way. Sternocleido-mastoid muscle flaps were used for repair. Conclusion: Esophageal perforation secondary to cervical spine surgery is rare, clinically variable, CT and radiologic study are fundamental in the diagnosis of this pathology. The Sternocleidomastoid muscle flap in these cases is a reliable and extremely useful tool due to its anatomical characteristics, easy surgical dissection and low associated morbidity.

Perforación esofágica espontánea

Resumen La perforación esofágica espontánea es una forma rara de ruptura del grosor de la pared del esófago sano, de manera no traumática. Es característico verla en pacientes de mediana edad, con obesidad y alcohólicos, que tienen episodios violentos de náuseas y vómitos. El tratamiento de la perforación esofágica espontánea depende de varios factores, como la etiología, sitio de la perforación, tiempo transcurrido desde la perforación hasta el diagnóstico, el grado de la contaminación del peritoneo o mediastino, comorbilidades, y estado general del paciente. En este artículo se presenta el caso de un paciente con enfisema subcutáneo en la parte superior del tórax, cuello y cara; con taquicardia de 115 latidos por minuto, hemograma con 18 mil leucocitos con predominio de neutrófilos. Se le realizaron radiografías de tórax y senos paranasales, donde se observa aire entre partes blandas y hueso. Se le realiza tratamiento quirúrgico con cierre de la perforación por toracotomía izquierda, se deja alimentación por sonda nasogástrica y antibióticos por 7 días.

Abstract Spontaneous esophageal perforation is a rare form of non-traumatic rupture of the thickness of the wall of the healthy esophagu. It is observed in middle-aged, obese, and alcoholic patients who have violent episodes of nausea and vomiting. Treatment of spontaneous esophageal perforation depends on several factors, such as the etiology, site of the perforation, time from perforation to diagnosis, degree of contamination of the peritoneum or mediastinum, comorbidities, and general condition of the patient. This article presents the case of a patient with subcutaneous emphysema in the upper part of the chest, neck and face; with a heart rate of 115 beats per minute, with a blood count of 18,000 leukocytes with a predominance of neutrophils. X-rays of the chest and paranasal sinuses were performed, where air is observed between soft tissue and bone. Surgical treatment is performed with closure of the perforation by left thoracotomy, feeding by nasogastric tube and antibiotics is left for 7 days.

Síndrome de Boerhaave como complicación del consumo de alcohol: reporte de caso / Boerhaave syndrome as a complication of alcohol consumption: case report / Síndrome de Boerhaave como complicação do consumo de álcool: relato de caso

Los diferentes reportes de consumo de sustancias evidencian cómo el consumo de alcohol afecta diferentes órganos y sistemas; según el tiempo de presentación hay riesgos agudos y crónicos. Dentro de las complicaciones agudas gastrointestinales asociadas al consumo de alcohol está el síndrome de Boerhaave consistente en una ruptura esofágica espontánea. Es importante identificar este síndrome porque se relaciona con alta mortalidad debido a la amplia gama de signos y síntomas que produce, como vómito, disnea, taquipnea, taquicardia y dolor esternal, que pueden generar confusión con otras enfermedades como el tromboembolismo pulmonar. El objetivo de este reporte es pre-sentar el primer caso clínico en Colombia de un paciente con síndrome de Boerhaave como complicación del consumo de alcohol, ya que es importante que el personal de salud reconozca los factores de riesgo que lo desencadenan.

Numerous reports of substance use show how alcohol consumption affects different organs and systems; related risks can be acute and chronic, depending on the time of presentation. Among the acute gastrointestinal complications associated with alcohol consumption is Boerhaave syndrome, which consists of a spontaneous esophageal rupture. It is important to identify this pathology because it is associated with high mortality due to the wide range of signs and symptoms that it produces such as vomiting, dyspnea, tachypnea, tachycardia, and sternal pain, which can lead to confusion with other diseases like pulmonary thromboembolism and may therefore delay proper and timely diagnostic. The objective of this report is to present the first clinical case reported in Colombia of a patient who suffered from Boerhaave syndrome secondary to chronic alcohol consumption and to sensitize the health personnel about the importance of recognizing alcohol consumption as a risk factor for this complication.

Os diferentes relatos de uso de substâncias mostram como o consumo de álcool afeta diferentes órgãos e sistemas; dependendo da época de apresentação, existem riscos agudos e crônicos. Entre as complicações gastrointestinais agudas associadas ao con-sumo de álcool está a síndrome de Boerhaave, que consiste em uma ruptura esofágica espontânea. É importante identificar essa síndrome, pois está associada a alta mortalidade devido à ampla gama de sinais e sintomas que produz, como vômitos, dispneia, taquipneia, taquicardia e dor esternal, que podem levar à confusão com outras doenças, como tromboembolismo pulmonar. O objetivo deste relatório é apresentar o primeiro caso clínico na Colômbia de um paciente com síndrome de Boerhaave como uma complicação do consumo de álcool, pois é importante que o pessoal de saúde reconheça os fatores de risco que a desencadeiam.

Perforación esofágica espontánea: síndrome de Boerhaave. Caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Boerhaave síndrome: spontaneous esophageal perforation. A clinical case and review of literature / Perfuração esofágica espontânea: síndrome de Boerhaave. Relato de caso e revisão bibliográfica

Resumen: La perforación esofágica espontánea o síndrome de Boerhaave es una entidad poco frecuente. Se define como la rotura del esófago no relacionada con traumatismos, exploraciones invasivas, patología esofágica previa o cuerpos extraños. Las roturas esofágicas se consideran como la perforación más grave del tracto digestivo, con una alta tasa de morbimortalidad relacionada principalmente con el desarrollo de mediastinitis posterior. Presentamos un paciente de sexo masculino de 63 años, que postingesta copiosa presenta esfuerzo de vómito inefectivo y posteriormente intenso dolor epigástrico, acompañado de enfisema subcutáneo. Se realiza tomografía de tórax que evidencia colección de contraste paraesofágica. Con planteo de síndrome de Boerhaave se decide cirugía de urgencia. Destacamos que el principal elemento pronóstico es el tiempo de resolución quirúrgica, por lo que debemos considerar esta patología como diagnóstico diferencial en pacientes con dolor torácico de inicio agudo.

Summary: Spontaneous esophageal perforation or Boerhaave syndrome is rather an unusual condition. It may be defined as the rupture of the esophagus that is not associated to trauma, invasive explorations, previous esophagus pathology or foreign bodies. Esophageal ruptures are considered as the most severe perforations of the digestive tract, with high morbimortality rates which are mainly associated to the development of subsequent mediastinitis. The study presents a 63-year-old patient who, after copious food intake, evidences unsuccessful effort to vomit effort and subsequent intense epigastric pain, accompanied by subcutaneous emphysema. Abdominal contrast scan reveals paraesophageal collection and a decision is made to perform an emergency surgery upon the suspicion of Boerhaave syndrome. It is worth pointing out that time for surgical resolution is the main prognostic element, and thus, this condition is to be considered as differential diagnosis in patients with acute thoracic pain.

Resumo: A perfuração esofágica espontânea ou síndrome de Boerhaave é uma entidade rara. É definida como ruptura do esôfago não relacionada a trauma, exames invasivos, patologia esofágica prévia ou corpos estranhos. As rupturas esofágicas são consideradas as perfurações mais graves do trato digestivo, com alto índice de morbimortalidade principalmente relacionado ao desenvolvimento de mediastinite posterior. Apresentamos um paciente do sexo masculino, 63 anos, que após ingestão abundante apresentou esforço ineficaz de vômito e, posteriormente, dor epigástrica intensa, acompanhada de enfisema subcutâneo. Foi realizada tomografia de tórax que evidenciou coleção de contraste paraesofágico. Com diagnóstico de síndrome de Boerhaave, a cirurgia de emergência foi decidida. Ressaltamos que o principal elemento prognóstico é o tempo de resolução cirúrgica, portanto, devemos considerar essa patologia como um diagnóstico diferencial em pacientes com dor torácica de início agudo.

Dolor torácico y shock secundarios a perforación espontánea de esófago: síndrome de Boerhaave.

La perforación esofágica es la más letal de todas las perforaciones del aparato digestivo. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 65 años que acude a urgencias por un cuadro clínico de dolor torácico, vómitos e hipotensión. Se le realizó tomografía computarizada por sospecha de síndrome aórtico agudo, con hallazgos sugerentes de perforación esofágica. El síndrome de Boerhaave consiste en la rotura longitudinal del esófago sobre una pared macroscópicamente sana. Su tratamiento definitivo se realiza con cirugía durante las primeras 24 horas. El síndrome de Boerhaave debe considerarse como complicación posible en los pacientes con dolor epigástrico y vómitos, ya que es una emergencia quirúrgica con alta morbimortalidad.Esophageal perforation is the most lethal of all perforations of the digestive system. 65-year-old male who goes to the emergency department due to clinical symptoms of chest pain, vomiting and hypotension, who underwent CT scan for suspected acute aortic syndrome, with suggestive findings of esophageal perforation. Boerhaave syndrome consists of the longitudinal rupture of the esophagus on a macroscopically healthy wall. Its definitive treatment is performed with surgery during the first 24 hours. Boerhaave syndrome should be considered as a possible complication in patients with epigastric pain and vomiting, as it is a surgical emergency with high morbidity and mortality.

Enfoque terapéutico en el Síndrome de Boerhaave / Therapeutic Approach of Boerhaave's Syndrome

RESUMEN Introducción: La perforación del esófago constituye una de las urgencias más graves y difíciles que ha de afrontar un cirujano por las características y ubicación del órgano. El pronóstico depende sobre todo de la rapidez del diagnóstico y de la elección del tratamiento instaurado en principio. Objetivo: Presentar un caso portador del Síndrome de Boerhaave. Caso clínico: Paciente masculino en la 5ta década de vida que acudió por dolor torácico posterior a cuadro emético. Luego de estudio radiográfico se diagnosticó ruptura espontánea de esófago o síndrome de Boerhaave. Conclusiones: El enfoque terapéutico adecuado asociado al diagnóstico oportuno y precoz del síndrome garantiza mejores índices de sobrevida(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Esophageal perforation is one of the most serious and difficult emergencies that a surgeon has to face due to the characteristics and location of the organ. Such prognosis depends mainly on the speed of the diagnosis and the choice of treatment established initially. Objectives: To present a case with such syndrome and to review the literature to update the therapeutic approach of this entity given its high mortality. Clinical case: Male patient in the fifth decade of life who presented for chest pain after an emetic condition. After a radiographic study, a spontaneous rupture of the esophagus or Boerhaave syndrome was diagnosed. Conclusions: The appropriate therapeutic approach associated with the early and timely diagnosis of the syndrome guarantees better survival rates(AU)

Boerhaave's syndrome with late presentation. Experience in an Argentine single center: Case series.

BACKGROUND: In the year 1724, Hermann Boerhaave reported a case of a Dutch admiral who died due to spontaneous rupture of the esophagus following vomiting. The aim of this retrospective study is to analyze the therapeutic modality, morbidity and mortaliy of a group of patients with spontaneous esophageal rupture treated in our hospital. METHODS: Ten patients were treated from March 1990 to August 2016. Seven patients were males and three were females. The age range was, 52-72 years, with an average of 66.2 years. In four patients, the diagnosis and posterior treatment were performed within 24 h (Group I) and the remaining six patients after 24 h (Group II). RESULTS: The mean hospital stay was 36.6 days (range 17-62 days). The mortality rate was 50%, which was due to septic shock and the morbidity of patients who survived was 40% due to pneumonia in one case and fistula in another. DISCUSSIONS: This condition has a high mortality rate with a lethality that depends on the time between recognition of symptoms and proper surgical treatment.

Traumatic esophageal perforation in Puerto Rico Trauma Hospital: A case-series.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal injuries are rare, life-threatening, events with an overall reported incidence of less than 3%. In rare cases, trauma due to blunt or penetrating injuries cause esophageal perforations, which account for less than 15% of all esophageal injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-series study was conducted to describe the outcomes and management of all the traumatic esophageal injuries at the Puerto Rico Trauma Hospital (PRTH) from 2000 through 2017. These cases were evaluated in terms of etiology of perforation, mechanism of injury and esophageal level. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were treated for esophageal injuries at the PRTH between 2000 and 2017. Of these patients, 15 (93.7%) were males with a median age of 24.5 years (16, 49). Regarding the etiology of the esophageal perforation, 2 (12.5%) patients suffered blunt esophageal trauma, and 14 (87.5%) patients had penetrating trauma to the esophagus. The most common mechanism of perforation was gunshot wound 10 (62.4%), followed by stab wound 4 (25.0%), and the least common were motor vehicle collision 1 (6.3%) and pedestrian injured by traffic 1 (6.3%). Regarding esophageal location, 9 (56.3%) patients presented cervical, 6 (37.5%) thoracic, and 1 (6.3%) abdominal injuries. Most patients 13 (81.3%) had a prompt diagnosis of traumatic esophageal perforation, while 3 (18.7%) patients had a delayed diagnosis. Only 2 (12.5%) deaths occurred among our 16 patients, including 1 (6.3%) in delayed diagnosed subjects. CONCLUSION: Esophageal perforation is a life-threatening condition and should be treated urgently. An early diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment completed in the first 24-h is fundamental for a good outcome.

Endoscopic closure of gastrointestinal perforations and fistulas using the Ovesco Over-The-Scope Clip system at a tertiary care hospital center. / Cierre endoscópico de perforaciones y fístulas del tracto digestivo mediante el sistema «Over-the scope clip¼ (Ovesco), en un centro terciario.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Enteric perforations and fistulas are difficult to manage due to comorbidities, poor nutritional status, and anatomic challenges related to multiple interventions in those patients. The use of endoscopic methods as a nonsurgical approach is increasing. The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical experience with the use of the Ovesco Over-The-Scope Clip system in the closure of perforations, fistulas, and other indications in the digestive tract at a tertiary care hospital center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case series was carried out on patients that underwent lesion closure with the Ovesco clip, within the time frame of January 2015 to December 2017. RESULTS: The Ovesco clip was used for closure in 14 patients ranging in age from 21-90 years, with different indications: iatrogenic perforations; anastomotic leaks and fistulas; tracheoesophageal fistulas; and esophagogastric perforation. Technical success was achieved in 100% of the patients and clinical success in 78.57%. No complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The Ovesco Over-The-Scope Clip system is a safe and effective method for managing gastrointestinal acute perforations and fistulas.