Esophageal rupture (tear in esophagus)

About Esophageal rupture (tear in esophagus)

The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. An esophageal rupture occurs when there is a tear in the esophagus. Cancer, ingesting corrosive fluids, forceful vomiting, and trauma can all cause a rupture. The esophagus can also be damaged during an endoscopy. Leakage of food or fluid into the chest through the ruptured area can lead to serious irritation, infection and death.

Symptoms

Chest pain, fever, shortness of breath, weak pulse, pain with swallowing, air bubbles under the skin of the neck.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), Gastrografin swallow, chest CT scan or MRI may be used to identify the rupture.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, MRI, X-ray.

Conventional treatment summary

Therapy depends on the size of the tear. The sooner treatment begins the higher likelihood the patient will survive this disorder. Surgery to repair the rupture should be performed as soon as possible. Intravenous fluids and antibiotics are usually administered.

Medical specialties

Gastroenterology · Cardiothoracic Surgery

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Esophageal rupture (tear in esophagus).