Do esophageal stents have a role in Boerhaave syndrome? Case reports

Abstract

Spontaneous esophageal rupture or Boerhaave syndrome results from exponentially increased intra-esophageal pressure against closed glottis leading to transmural esophageal injury. There are no classical signs and symptoms for diagnosis. Vomiting, pain, and subcutaneous emphysema are the usual triad of presentation. It may also present as nonspecific chest discomfort to rapidly progressive subcutaneous emphysema. Covered endoscopic self-expanding and removable esophageal metal stents are rapidly emerging minimally invasive techniques to manage this condition with good success. We report two cases of Boerhaave syndrome who were treated endoscopically with covered self-expanding metallic esophageal stents.