| Theme | Digestive Diseases to Know -- Esophagus | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Spontaneous Intramural Rupture of the Esophagus | |
| Publish Date | 1998/04 | |
| Author | Yoshifumi Hiramatsu | Department of Surgery. Kohli Hospital, Kansai Medical University |
| [ Summary ] | Intramural rupture of the esophagus is the third distinct pattern of esophageal injury after the Mallory-Weiss tear and Boerhaave's syndrome, both of which occur after vomiting. Thirty-six cases have been reported in Japan during the last decade. The etiology of intramural rupture of the esophagus remains uncertain, but submucosal hemorrhage that dissects the submucosal plane and ruptures through the mucosa is thought to be one potential mechanism. Characteristic symptoms such as severe chest pain, hematemesis, and dysphagia have been associated with these esophageal injuries. Diagnosis of intramural rupture of the esophagus can be made safely using upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and then radiologic contrast study should be done to exclude perforation. Intramural rupture of the esophagus has a good prognosis, in contrast to Boerhaave's syndrome, and is best managed conservatively. |
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