Spontaneous esophageal perforation presenting with right-sided pleural effusion

Boerhaave's Syndrome (spontaneous esophageal perforation) is an uncommon clinical entity that frequently presents with an antecedent history of marked vomiting followed by chest or abdominal pain. Misdiagnosis is the most important contributing factor in the continuing high morbidity and mortality of this disease. We report an atypical presentation of Boerhaave's Syndrome in an elderly female who presented to the Emergency Department with dyspnea, right sided chest pain, right pleural effusion, and hypovolemic shock without an identifiable antecedent event. A chest radiograph revealed massive right hydropneumothorax. After placement of a chest tube, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit. Only 36 hours after admission did the diagnosis of Boerhaave's Syndrome become evident. She underwent operative repair and, after a prolonged stay, was discharged in relatively good condition 3 months after her admission. The absence of vomiting prior to presentation and the right sided effusion are the distinguishing features of this particular case.