A spontaneous esophageal perforation and duodenal ulcer perforation resulting in a subpulmonic abscess

Both spontaneous esophageal perforations (Boerhaave syndrome) and duodenal ulcer perforations are medical emergencies. Spontaneous esophageal perforation (SEP) is the most serious and rapidly lethal perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. Prompt diagnosis and early therapy is needed to prevent death and prolonged serious illness, and the key to the diagnosis is an awareness of its frequent atypical presentations. This article presents a case report of SEP and duodenal ulcer perforation which caused a right-sided subpulmonic abscess and reviews the literature pertaining to this subject.