Abrupt Severe Chest Pain and Vomiting: Remember to Think of a Ruptured Oesophagus (Boerhaave Syndrome)

Boerhaave syndrome or spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus is a severe condition commonly misdiagnosed or unrecognized. Prognosis is poor even if the diagnosis is made promptly. We describe a case of Boerhaave syndrome diagnosed after the development of pneumomediastinum and cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, the patient died 48 hours after admission to the Intensive Care Unit. This entity requires a multidisciplinary management approach which may include conservative, surgical or endoscopic procedures. LEARNING POINTS: Boerhaave syndrome is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, and rapid diagnosis and management are crucial. A thoraco-abdominal CT scan with oesophageal opacification is the gold standard investigation. A multidisciplinary and individualized approach is needed in the management of this condition.