[Value of computerized tomography in diagnosis of Boerhaave syndrome]

The mortality rate of spontaneous oesophageal rupture can be reduced by rapid diagnostic evaluation and early therapeutic intervention above all. We report on the prompt diagnosis of Boerhaave syndrome by thoracoabdominal CT scan and oesophagoscopy in a 75 year old female patient with false negative oesophagogram. The oesophageal rupture was transabdominally approached and closed by suture and a gastric fundus patch 6 hours after admission to the hospital. Pleural space lavage and drainage was done thru a left thoracotomy. The patient developed bronchopneumonia and sepsis and was discharged from the hospital 8 weeks post admission.