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Spontaneous esophageal perforation presenting as meningitis
Carlo C Jurani1, Gerald L Early, Shauna R Roberts
1Department of General Surgery, University of Kansas, Kansas City 66160-7119, USA.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|May 9, 2002
Summary
This case study highlights spontaneous esophageal perforation, a rare cause of meningitis. Prompt surgical intervention led to successful patient recovery despite diagnostic delays.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Boerhaave's syndrome, or spontaneous esophageal perforation, is a rare but life-threatening condition.
- Central nervous system infections secondary to esophageal perforation are infrequently reported, often linked to instrumentation, trauma, or malignancy.
Observation:
- A patient presented with symptoms mimicking meningitis.
- A significant delay in diagnosis (16 days) occurred due to the unusual presentation.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with spontaneous esophageal perforation presenting as meningitis.
- Successful treatment involved debridement, primary closure, and drainage of the affected area.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering esophageal perforation in the differential diagnosis of meningitis, even in the absence of typical risk factors.
- Early recognition and intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes in Boerhaave's syndrome with central nervous system involvement.