CTChestAdvanced
Boerhaave syndrome
oesophaguschestperforationemergencypneumomediastinumgastrointestinal
Clinical presentation
Middle-aged patient with severe retrosternal pain and subcutaneous emphysema following an episode of forceful vomiting.
Key imaging findings
- Pneumomediastinum and left pleural effusion / hydropneumothorax
- Oesophageal wall defect, typically the left posterolateral distal oesophagus
- Extravasation of oral contrast into the mediastinum or pleura
- Mediastinal fluid and gas locules on CT
Form your diagnosis, then reveal the answer.
Educational teaching content only. Imaging appearances vary; always correlate clinically and confirm with a qualified radiologist.