Spontaneous rupture of the esophagus presenting with unilateral proptosis

An unusual case of spontaneous rupture of the esophagus (Boerhaave syndrome) presented initially with only unilateral proptosis secondary to orbital emphysema, without significant chest or abdominal symptoms. The classical signs of chest pain and cardiovascular collapse were absent. The diagnosis was suggested by the presence of mediastinal emphysema on chest roentgenogram. Boerhaave syndrome was seen after a barium swallow, and the patient was taken immediately to surgery and he survived without further complications. The presence of subcutaneous or mediastinal emphysema with or without other classical signs or symptoms should prompt an aggressive search for its origin. Because a decrease in mortality and morbidity occurs with early detection of this syndrome, a brief review of common and uncommon symptoms is presented.