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Spontaneous Esophageal Perforation in an Infant: A Rare Case

Punit Singh Parihar1, Pawan Singhal2, Ankit Singh1

  • 1Department of Paediatric Surgery, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan India.

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery : Official Publication of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India
|October 25, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Spontaneous esophageal perforation is a rare but fatal emergency in infants. Early diagnosis and prompt management are critical to reduce infant morbidity and mortality from this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Emergency medicine

Background:

  • Spontaneous esophageal perforation (SEP) is a rare but life-threatening condition.
  • Delayed diagnosis and treatment of SEP significantly increase infant morbidity and mortality.
  • SEP in infants is exceptionally rare, with only seven cases previously reported in medical literature.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the critical importance of recognizing and managing spontaneous esophageal perforation in infants.
  • To contribute to the limited existing literature on infant spontaneous esophageal perforation by reporting a new case.

Main Methods:

  • Case report detailing a rare instance of spontaneous esophageal rupture in an infant.
  • Review of clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and management strategies for infant SEP.

Main Results:

  • The case underscores the potential for spontaneous esophageal rupture even in the youngest patients.
  • Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes in infant SEP.

Conclusions:

  • Spontaneous esophageal perforation, though rare in infants, demands vigilant clinical suspicion.
  • Timely diagnosis and appropriate management are paramount to prevent fatal outcomes and reduce complications in affected infants.

Keywords:
Boerhaave’s syndromeEsophageal perforationEsophagogramSpontaneous perforation

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