Paediatric Boerhaave’s syndrome: a rare but crucial diagnosis

Abstract

Abstract Boerhaave’s syndrome is typically seen in middle-aged male population. We report a case of a child who presented with sudden onset of left-sided oedema of the face and periorbital region. The child had a history of fever and throat pain, which started a day prior to the onset of swelling. On examination, the child had crepitus over the swelling on the left side of the face. Radiology showed pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax, and were treated with chest tube insertion. We present this case because of its rarity, unique presentation and need for prompt diagnosis, and discuss the literature.

Keywords

• Boerhaave’s syndrome
• oesophageal rupture
• pneumothorax