Boerhaave Syndrome: An Unexpected Complication of Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Boerhaave syndrome (BS) is a rare gastrointestinal condition related to esophageal rupture that carries a high mortality rate without prompt medical attention. BS is commonly associated with repeated episodes of severe retching, straining, or vomiting. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious acute complication of diabetes, is characterized in part by laboratory findings of profound hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis. Clinically, nausea and vomiting are seen commonly in DKA patients, which can often include repeated forceful retching, but rarely associated with esophageal rupture. In this article, we will describe a case of BS secondary to repeated episodes of emesis in the setting of DKA.