Key result
CT esophagram identifies fatal atraumatic esophago-pericardial fistula secondary to Boerhaave syndrome.
Why the study?
Esophago-pericardial fistula is a rare, life-threatening complication of esophageal injury that requires rapid identification to improve outcomes.
Case Report (n=1)
No
This case highlights the critical role of prompt CT esophagram in the early detection of esophago-pericardial fistula, a rare and life-threatening complication of Boerhaave syndrome.
Alerts clinicians to esophago-pericardial fistula in Boerhaave syndrome; leaves open optimal management for this rare, often fatal entity.
Esophago-pericardial fistula (EPF) is an uncommon, but life-threatening complication of esophageal injury. Even more rare is unexpectedly encountering this entity in a patient without a surgical history, as seen in this case. Due to the grim prognosis of EPF, it is critical to identify these imaging findings quickly. Our objective is to outline a case of acute EPF in the setting of Boerhaave syndrome to highlight the most pertinent imaging findings. While this patient unfortunately passed away, early recognition and timely communication with the surgical team have the potential to expedite intervention and improve patient outcomes.
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Life et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Esophago-pericardial fistula and Boerhaave syndrome (n=1). Endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure and pericardial washout was evaluated. CT esophagram identified a rare atraumatic esophago-pericardial fistula secondary to Boerhaave syndrome in a 36-year-old male who died despite surgical and endoscopic interventions.
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