Description
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
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
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.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Cardiothoracic Surgery
Workup:
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.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Cardiothoracic Surgery
Treatment
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.