Boerhaave syndrome CT
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Boerhaave syndrome Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Boerhaave syndrome CT On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Boerhaave syndrome CT |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
CT
CT of the chest and if necessary of the abdomen should be performed when a suspected esophageal perforation is difficult to locate on contrast esophagram, when contrast esophagogram cannot be performed (eg, uncooperative or unstable patient), in patients with free peritoneal air, and to localize collections of fluid for surgical drainage.
CT findings include:
- Esophageal wall edema and thickening
- Periesophageal fluid
- Mediastinal widening
- Air and fluid in the pleural spaces, retroperitoneum, or lesser sac
Hours to days later, pleural effusion(s) with or without pneumothorax, widened mediastinum, and subcutaneous emphysema are typically seen. CT scan may show esophageal wall edema and thickening, extraesophageal air, periesophageal fluid with or without gas bubbles, mediastinal widening, and air and fluid in the pleural spaces, retroperitoneum or lesser sac.