Boerhaave's syndrome is the spontaneous rupture of a non-diseased oesophagus, usually after vigorous vomiting. It is associated with excessive alcohol ingestion when a dramatically raised pressure may develop in the oesophagus as a result of failure of cricopharyngeal relaxation. It is vital to recognise early because of its fatal consequences.
It is very rare and was first described by Herman Boerhaave in 1724.
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