Intramural rupture of the oesophagus.

ABSTRACT

Two cases of intramural rupture of the oesophagus are described. In both cases the diagnosis was made endoscopically and confirmed radiologically. Both patients were successfully managed conservatively but were later found to have disordered oesophageal motility. The clinical presentation of severe retrosternal chest pain followed by haematemesis and then dysphagia is stressed, and the diagnostic features on barium swallow examination and endoscopy are described. It is suggested that the diagnosis should be made on clinical presentation and barium swallow, and that the possible hazards of endoscopy in the acute stage should be avoided.