What Causes Boerhaave’s Syndrome?

Boerhaave's syndrome, or a spontaneous esophageal rupture, is a condition where the esophagus incurs a tear that penetrates all the way through it. An esophageal rupture is extremely problematic because it allows stomach acid, air, and food to leak out of the esophagus and into the chest. This causes severe inflammation and fluid accumulation around the lungs. Symptoms of Boerhaave's syndrome include abdominal pain, low blood pressure, fever, chest pain, vomiting, and vomiting blood. Boerhaave's syndrome can be diagnosed using an esophagography and x-rays of the individual's abdomen and chest.