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Clinical features

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The clinical symptoms of Boerhaave's syndrome include:

  • characteristically seen in middle aged men with a history of high alcohol intake, 'retching' and vomiting
  • often give a history of retrosternal pain progressing to to excruciating epigastric pain that is increased by swallowing
  • failure of opiates to relieve pain

Signs of Boerhaave's syndrome include:

  • respiratory collapse:
    • dyspnoea
    • cyanosis
    • shock
  • subcutaneous emphysema in the neck
  • hydrothorax } take some hours
  • pneumothorax } to develop
  • pleural effusion
  • tenderness over epigastrium and rigidity

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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