Recurrent spontaneous esophageal rupture

Repeated episodes of thoracic empyema after spontaneous esophageal rupture

A 52-year-old man with a cough, high fever, and inappetence was diagnosed with thoracic empyema on computed tomography at a local hospital. He had undergone continuous thoracic drainage for a spontaneous esophageal rupture that occurred 17 years earlier. He developed left thoracic empyema 2, 14 and 17 years following the initial esophageal rupture that improved with conservative therapy each time. The most recent episode of thoracic empyema also resolved with conservative therapy. However, he was referred to our hospital for further examination and more complete surgical treatment for recurrent thoracic empyema. Gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a scar from the previous esophageal rupture in the lower esophagus. We considered that recurrent esophageal rupture may have caused repeated episodes of thoracic empyema based on endoscopic findings and his past history and elected to perform subtotal esophagectomy to provide a complete cure. A left transthoracic esophagectomy with a left lower lung lobectomy and gastric tube reconstruction via a retrosternal route were performed. A latissimus dorsi muscle flap was used to eliminate the dead space after lower lung lobectomy to prevent recurrent thoracic empyema. The bronchial stump was covered with a pedicled intercostal muscle flap to prevent leakage from the stump. Minor leakage from the esophagogastrostomy site developed during the postoperative course but resolved with conservative therapy. The patient was transferred to the previous hospital on the 36th postoperative day. Four years after surgery, he had good oral intake and nutritional status without any evidence of recurrent thoracic empyema.

Undiagnosed spontaneous oesophageal rupture presenting as right hydropneumothorax

Spontaneous oesophageal rupture has been a known ailment with a high morbidity and mortality. Various factors contribute to its predisposition such as preexisting oesophageal diseases, increased intraluminal pressure, neurogenic causes, and iatrogenic-commonest being instrumentation. We present the case of a 26-year-old male with features of right hydropneumothorax for which an intercostal chest drain (ICD) was inserted that yielded turbid fluid with suspicion of it being gastric contents. With a diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia and gut/bowel injury caused due to intercostal drain, the patient underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy. No abnormality was detected and possibility of oesophageal injury/rupture was contemplated though ruled out on investigations. The patient improved with medical treatment of empyema and discharged. The patient was lost to follow-up until after a year the patient reported to surgery OPD with complaints of dysphagia. A barium swallow revealed thoracic oesophageal benign stricture thus confirming our suspicion of spontaneous oesophageal rupture that had occurred a year ago. Knowledge about atypical presentations of oesophageal rupture is important so as to be more aware of this possibility.

Two-tube method for treatment of spontaneous esophageal rupture and concomitant mediastinal infection

Objective

Spontaneous esophageal rupture (SER) is a rare but life-threatening condition with high mortality. The prognosis of patients with SER treated with surgical intervention or the traditional “three-tube” method is controversial. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy, feasibility, and safety of a new “two-tube” method involving a trans-fistula drainage tube and a three-lumen jejunal feeding tube for the treatment of SER without concomitant pleural rupture.

Methods

From January 2007 to June 2016, patients with SER and managed with the “two-tube” method or other methods were retrospectively analyzed. Data collected included initial presentation, procedure time, duration of treatment, numbers of patients with eventual healing of leaks, and complications.

Results

The average procedure time for the “two-tube” method was 22.1 ± 5.5 minutes. In comparison with the control method, the “two-tube” method had a similar diagnosis time (3.6 ± 1.4 vs. 3.4 ± 1.4 days) but a significantly higher successful closure rate (94.4% vs. 63.6%) and shorter treatment time (38.2 ± 5.6 vs. 53.6 ± 16.9 days). No complications associated with performance of the “two-tube” method occurred.

Conclusion

The “two-tube” method is an effective and safe approach for patients with SER.

Successful stenting of four spontaneous oesophageal perforations in a single patient during a 3-year period

Spontaneous oesophageal perforation, a rare condition associated with high mortality due to mediastinitis and multi-organ failure, can be treated surgically or with endoscopic stents. We present a case of four right-sided oesophageal perforations during a 3-year period in a single patient, all successfully stented. The 51-year-old Caucasian male had his first oesophageal perforation in 2012, which was successfully treated with a fully covered endoscopic stent. No residual pathology was seen at stent removal. Two years later, the patient was successfully treated with stents twice for recurrent perforations. The fourth spontaneous perforation at the same site occurred this fall, and again endoscopic treatment was successful. The patient does not report any squeals. In spite of the successful outcome, we would like to emphasize the need for close surveillance and readiness for definitive surgical treatment.

Recurrent, spontaneous esophageal ruptures associated with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome: report of a case

A 52-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a spontaneous esophageal rupture (Boerhaave syndrome) and was successfully treated. Eight years after the first incident, he was readmitted with a recurrent rupture. Recurrence of Boerhaave syndrome is extremely rare, with only 7 cases reported in the English literature. During treatment, the patient was also diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Although APS is known to cause a variety of symptoms due to vascular thrombosis, recurrence of Boerhaave syndrome, coincident with APS, has never been reported. The pathogenesis of Boerhaave syndrome has not been clearly determined. This report serves to increase awareness of the risk of APS, which results in an increased risk of spontaneous rupture of the esophagus.