Spontaneous Perforation of the Esophagus

Abstract

SPONTANEOUS perforation of the presumably normal esophagus has been considered a rare lesion. A recent increase in the number of reports on this subject indicates that it may not be as unusual as was formerly believed. Barrett,¹ Olsen and Clagett² and Kinsella³ have recently considered this subject so completely that further review is unnecessary. The original, classic description of the lesion by Boerhaave in 1723 and the first diagnosis made during life by Walker⁴ in 1914 represent historical milestones. In modern times, the diagnosis has been made before death a number of times, but seldom early enough to permit treatment. . . .