Abstract
We experienced a case of spontaneous rupture of the upper to middle part of the esophagus, which is an unusual site for the lesion.
A 30-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of severe dyspnea. Contrast radiography of the esophagus at the level of the carina tracheae to the left thoracic cavity. Under the diagnosis of pyothorax due to rupture of the esophagus, conservative therapies such as continuous thoracic drainage and hyperalimentation were performed. The wound closure at the rupture site was confirmed esophagographically on the 21st day after admission.
Spontaneous rupture of the lower part of the esophagus has, in most cases, been reported to be due to vomitting associated with drinking or eating, but rupture of the middle or upper part of the esophagus has been pointed out a participation of pre-existing diverticulum or ulceration. This case was neither associated with drinking or eating nor revealed any abnormalities in the eosphagus on the contrast radiography which was taken before. It is, therefore, considered that this case is true to its name “spontaneous”.
