[Boerhaave's syndrome and pleural tuberculosis]

Boerhaave's syndrome is a rare condition involving spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus. The diagnosis is difficult and the prognosis depends on early diagnosis and treatment.

We report a case of spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus in a 70-year-old woman where the diagnosis was delayed. Initial treatment comprised dual antibiotic therapy and feeding via a jejunostomy. Three months later, direct suture of the oesophagus was performed successfully. A routine pleural biopsy performed during the surgery revealed pleural tuberculosis. Antituberculous treatment was given for 6 months with good progress after 16 months follow up.

Boerhaave's syndrome is a rare condition, the diagnosis of which remains difficult. The prognosis is related essentially to the speed of diagnosis. The treatment is always surgical within the framework of appropriate medical management (intensive care, antibiotic therapy). There should be a systematic search for associated pathology.