Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

An Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Designed to Minimize Anastomotic Complications and Optimize Conduit Function
Published on: April 17, 2020
Spontaneous oesophageal perforation
R Clément1, C Bresson, O Rodat
1Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Nantes, 1 rue Gaston Veil, 44 093 Nantes Cedex, France. renaud.clement@chu-nantes.fr
Abstract:
An autopsy was performed on a young adult, who apparently died during his sleep. Mediastinitis was established and empyema was also found in left pleural cavity. The oesophagus examination showed a tear in left side. The lesion occurred in the distal oesophagus and showed the leak communicating freely with the left pleural space. Oesophageal perforation was the source of empyema, resulted from barotrauma to the lower oesophagus during the effort of vomiting. Death caused by septic shock. Boerhaave syndrome is a serious and rapidly fatal spontaneous oesophagus rupture. Forceful ejection of gastric contents in an unrelaxed oesophagus against a closed glottis is the mechanism described. The tear thus produced is vertical. The case report discusses the historical, statistical, pathophysiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of Boerhaave syndrome. The syndrome is a cause of sudden death, which be known by forensic pathologists.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction
Hiatal Hernia
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Achalasia

