Published in:
01-12-2016 | Letter to the Editor
Minor blunt cervical spine trauma associated with esophageal perforation and epidural empyema
Authors:
André Beer-Furlan, Roger S. Brock, Lucas S. Mendes, Eduardo G. Mutarelli
Published in:
Acta Neurologica Belgica
|
Issue 4/2016
Login to get access
Excerpt
Esophageal perforation in the setting of minor blunt trauma is rare, and diagnosis can be difficult due to atypical signs and symptoms.The mechanism of esophageal injury associated with blunt cervical spine trauma is the traction and hyperextension of the neck. Cervical spine fracture and anterolisthesis may also contribute to the mechanism of esophageal perforation. The previous reports have demonstrated its association with high-energy trauma and severe spinal injury [
1‐
3]. Current management of esophageal perforation focuses on early diagnosis and aggressive treatment that may include surgical drainage, attempt of primary repair, and abscess drainage when indicated [
1,
2]. …
