Spontaneous rupture of oesophagus

Definition

Spontaneous perforation of the oesophageal wall. This most commonly results from a sudden increase in intraoesophageal pressure combined with relatively negative intrathoracic pressure caused by straining or vomiting. This is known as effort rupture of the oesophagus or Boerhaave's syndrome.

Exclusions

• traumatic perforation of (thoracic) oesophagus
• Mallory-Weiss syndrome
• Perforation due to malignant neoplasm

Inclusions

• Rupture of oesophagus

Index Terms