Right-sided pleural effusion in spontaneous esophageal perforation. 2000

Y C Chang, and H C Liu, and C J Huang, and C L Wu
Department of Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Spontaneous esophageal perforation (Boerhaave's syndrome) is a rare clinical entity in which overindulgence in a large meal precedes vomiting and chest pain. Early diagnosis and aggressive management are keys to minimizing the morbidity and mortality. We report an unusual presentation of this already uncommon occurrence in a 33-year-old female. She presented to the Emergency Department with severe chest pain following vomiting with hematemesis after a large meal. The initial chest radiograph showed up nothing in particular. Dyspnea developed two days later, and a right-sided pleural effusion was seen on chest x-ray. Panendoscopy was highly suggestive of Boerhaave's syndrome. She underwent emergency operation. After three months of hospital care, she was discharged in relatively good condition. This case of right-sided pleural effusion extends the reported description of Boerhaave's syndrome.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D010996 Pleural Effusion Presence of fluid in the pleural cavity resulting from excessive transudation or exudation from the pleural surfaces. It is a sign of disease and not a diagnosis in itself. Effusion, Pleural,Effusions, Pleural,Pleural Effusions
D004939 Esophageal Perforation An opening or hole in the ESOPHAGUS that is caused by TRAUMA, injury, or pathological process. Esophageal Perforations,Perforation, Esophageal,Perforations, Esophageal
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D013577 Syndrome A characteristic symptom complex. Symptom Cluster,Cluster, Symptom,Clusters, Symptom,Symptom Clusters,Syndromes
D014839 Vomiting The forcible expulsion of the contents of the STOMACH through the MOUTH. Emesis

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