Delayed diagnosis of thoracic esophageal rupture due to blunt abdominal trauma without chest trauma: A case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Thoracic esophageal rupture due to blunt trauma is very rare. Moreover, there have been no reports of thoracic esophageal rupture due to blunt abdominal trauma without chest trauma. Case presentation We describe a rare case of esophageal rupture due to blunt abdominal trauma in a young female patient. Operation was delayed due to a misdiagnosis of chylothorax, and esophageal repair was performed six days after trauma. Postoperative esophageal leak developed and was treated with esophageal stent. She was discharged two months after surgery without sequelae. Conclusions It is important to consider esophageal rupture as a differential diagnosis even in patients with only abdominal trauma, when in doubt.

Keywords

• Thoracic esophageal rupture
• Blunt abdominal trauma
• Esophageal stent