Distal thoracic oesophageal perforation secondary to blunt trauma: Case report

Abstract

Early identification of an intrathoracic oesophageal perforation requires deliberate consideration and is essential to ensure a favorable outcome. Treatment should be individualised taking into account the nature of the oesophageal defect, time elapsed from injury and the patient's general condition.

Blunt Trauma Patient with Esophageal Perforation

“…The most common theory is that, as in Boerhaave syndrome, perforation occurs in the weakest area of the esophagus 5. Perforation can also occur when the esophagus is trapped between the sternum and thoracic vertebrae in association with fracture or compression of the thoracic vertebrae 6. Only a T1 transverse process fracture was present in the current case, and the region of the esophagus with contrast leakage was inferior to the carina.…”

Infectious spondylodiscitis caused by esophageal injury after blunt chest trauma

“…Resection of the severely damaged esophagus may also be needed and debridement of spondylodiscitis refractory to antibiotics. 6 This report describes a very unusual presentation of esophageal injury resulting from blunt trauma that caused adjacent thoracic spondylodiscitis. In-depth testing is needed for the early recognition of complications of esophageal injury after blunt chest trauma.…”

“…Another possible mechanism associated with an unrecognized esophageal ulcer is disruption of the esophageal blood supply resulting in ischemia and the subsequent development of mucosal necrosis. 6 A spondylodiscitis caused by esophageal injury after blunt chest trauma has not been previously reported in the literature. A deep esophageal ulcer may cause direct extension of infection, from the esophagus across the prevertebral fascia to the spine.…”

Esophageal Perforation after Thoracic Vertebral Fracture in an Ankylosed Spine: Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…Esophageal perforation is rare and is associated with high morbidity and mortality [1][2][3]6,8,21,22]. It can be attributed to a number of etiologies, including spontaneous rupture, iatrogenic injury, blunt or penetrating trauma [2].…”

“…Thoracic spinal fracture resulting in thoracic esophageal perforation is extremely rare, with an incidence of less than 0.2% [15] and there are only a few reported cases in the literature [7,[16][17][18][19][20]. It can occur when thoracic vertebral fracture causes posterior esophageal wall laceration and typically results in death or severe morbidity [1][2][3]6,8,21,22]. A case report and review of the literature is presented.…”