Tension pneumoperitoneum and gastric rupture following cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Inadvertent esophageal intubation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation following aortocoronary bypass grafting resulted in gastric rupture and tension pneumoperitoneum in a 65-year-old patient. Rapid hemodynamic deterioration necessitated emergency laparotomy with successful repair of the gastric rupture. The patient's recovery was uneventful, and he was doing well at six months follow up. Awareness of this unusual complication may lead to early recognition and successful treatment.