Spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus: Boerhaave's syndrome

Abstract

A review is presented of nine cases of spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus treated in the department for thoracic surgery in Arhus during the past 29 years. This corresponds to an annual incidence of two cases in Denmark. The characteristic clinical picture with retrosternal pain together with violent vomiting is reviewed with particular attention to the problems in the differential diagnosis. The prognosis is still poor but can be improved considerably with early diagnosis and active surgical intervention.