Rupture of the abdominal oesophagus: a review

'Spontaneous' rupture of the oesophagus usually affects the lower third, less commonly the middle third and rarely the cervical oesophagus. Rupture limited to the intra-abdominal oesophagus is rare. Such a case is described here and previously reported cases are reviewed. Vomiting-induced gastro-oesophageal injuries and their aetiology are discussed and the management of spontaneous rupture is reviewed.