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Boerhaave's syndrome and children: a rare and unexpected combination
1Division of Thoracic Surgery, London Health Sciences Center, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|September 1, 1996
Insights
Boerhaave
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Boerhaave's syndrome, a spontaneous esophageal rupture, typically affects middle-aged males.
- Classic symptoms include severe vomiting and chest pain, often linked to excessive food and alcohol intake.
Observation:
- This report details a rare case of Boerhaave's syndrome occurring in a pediatric patient.
- The esophageal rupture was a consequence of a previously undiagnosed case of appendicitis.
Findings:
- The study highlights an unusual presentation of Boerhaave's syndrome in a child.
- Delayed diagnosis of appendicitis was the precipitating factor for the esophageal rupture.
Implications:
- This case broadens the understanding of Boerhaave's syndrome etiology, particularly in pediatric populations.
- It underscores the importance of considering rare complications in pediatric presentations of abdominal conditions.
Abstract:
Boerhaave's syndrome, or the spontaneous rupture of the esophagus, appears most commonly in males between the ages of 40 and 60. Severe vomiting followed by excruciating chest pain are the classic clinical signs, often in conjunction with a history of over indulgence in food and alcohol. The authors describe a case of Boerhaave's syndrome in a child, the result of missed appendicitis.