[So-called spontaneous rupture of the esophagus or Boerhaave's syndrome]

A typical case of spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus (Boerhaave's syndrome) successfully operated at the Surgery Division of the Lodi Greater Hospital is presented. An account of the aetiopathogenetic, anatomopathological and clinical problems involved is followed by an examination of the possibilities of diagnosis. It is felt that early surgical management is the only way of obtaining the best results. It is also suggested that the term "rupture following effort) be used instead of the normal "spontaneous rupture", since the pathogenetic dynamics behind the lesion is better expressed in this manner.