Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2019 | Esophageal Rupture | Case report
Eosinophilic esophagitis presenting with spontaneous esophageal rupture: a case report
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2019
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Background
Eosinophilic esophagitis, once considered a rare disorder, has been increasingly recognized as a leading cause of dysphagia and food impaction in children and adults over the last few decades. It predominantly occurs in young men with a history of atopy. Dysphagia and food impaction are the most common presentations. However, rarely, spontaneous perforation (Boerhaave’s syndrome) may occur in association with eosinophilic esophagitis.
Case presentation
A 40-year-old white woman with known history of eosinophilic esophagitis, who was non-compliant with treatment, presented with chest pain and developed acute spontaneous transmural esophageal perforation while eating a snack. Surgical repair was required.
Conclusion
In a relatively young patient who presents with spontaneous esophageal perforation, eosinophilic esophagitis should always be ruled out as subsequent treatment may prevent recurrent perforation.