Esophageal Perforation After Failed Prehospital Intubation

Abstract

Esophageal perforation is a rare condition with high rates of mortality if not recognized quickly. This is a case of a 67-year-old male with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He had one failed intubation attempt prior to arrival. On postmortem autopsy it was discovered that in addition to significant head trauma he also had an esophageal and gastric rupture.