Boerhaave syndrome

Boerhaave syndrome is a serious and rapidly fatal spontaneous esophageal rupture that mimics myocardial infarction or upper gastrointestinal conditions. Initially misdiagnosed about 50% of the time, Boerhaave syndrome has a mortality rate of more than 90% without prompt diagnosis and treatment. This article presents a case of nearly fatal Boerhaave syndrome in an otherwise healthy young adult and discusses the historical, statistical, pathophysiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of the disease.