Incomplete rupture of the esophagus--a case report

Patients with an intramural rupture of the esophagus are likely to present to the emergency department with a history of vomiting bright red blood and associated chest pain. Most esophageal tears begin as esophageal hematomas. Interventions that induce further emesis can exacerbate the problem, further disrupting the mucosa and esophageal muscle layers. We suggest that naso-gastric tube placement should therefore be avoided whenever possible in situations in which esophageal damage is suspected.