Medical school finals, nerves and vomiting: Medical student survives Boerhaave’s syndrome with recurrence one week after initial presentation

Abstract

Boerhaave’s syndrome is a serious condition that can be fatal due to commonly nonspecific symptoms and delayed treatment. This rare syndrome is a result of a spontaneous esophageal rupture. We describe a case of a medical student who developed Boerhaave’s syndrome on the day of his finals. Initially, the medical student’s symptoms were misdiagnosed when they sought medical attention. Despite the medical student being clinically well, their medical knowledge prompted a surgical opinion and Boerhaave’s syndrome was confirmed. Treatment was conservative, however, its recovery was complicated with a recurrence of symptoms shortly after the initial episode. This case highlights and discusses the importance of esophageal rupture to be considered as a cause of chest pain. Prompt diagnosis is of utmost importance. If conservative treatment is commenced, adequate time for healing should be permitted.