[Spontaneous rupture of the esophagus after hematemesis from gastric ulcer. Report of a case]. / Ruptura espontánea del esófago consecutiva a hematemesis por úlcera gástrica. Presentación de un caso.

ABSTRACT

The authors discuss a case of spontaneous esophageal rupture consequent to hematemesis associated with gastric ulcer. This is known as Boerhaave's syndrome. The present case was seen in a male patient of 54 years of age. The diagnosis was suspected on the basis of the clinical history and was confirmed by radiologic studies both with and without contrast medium. The patient was treated surgically through a left anterior thoracotomy. In the immediate postoperative period there was an episode of bloody pleural effusion which was corrected by two thoracocenteses. At the present time the patient leads a normal life with no restrictions. He has not had signs or symptoms of gastric ulcer and two esophageal-gastroduodenal series have only shown the esophageal scar.