Esophageal Perforation Accompanying Mediastinitis in Blunt Trauma in a Patient with Thoracic Osteophytes

Kei Suzuki; Haruna Yoshida; Ryo Esumi; Yohei Ieki; Akira Yamamoto; Masaki Ohi; Tadashi Kaneko; Hiroshi Imai

doi:10.2169/internalmedicine.8930-21

CASE REPORTS

Esophageal Perforation Accompanying Mediastinitis in Blunt Trauma in a Patient with Thoracic Osteophytes

Kei Suzuki, Haruna Yoshida, Ryo Esumi, Yohei Ieki, Akira Yamamoto, Masaki Ohi, Tadashi Kaneko, Hiroshi Imai

Author information

Kei Suzuki
Emergency and Critical Care Center, Mie University Hospital, Japan
Department of Infectious Diseases, Mie University Hospital, Japan
Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
Haruna Yoshida
Emergency and Critical Care Center, Mie University Hospital, Japan
Ryo Esumi
Emergency and Critical Care Center, Mie University Hospital, Japan
Yohei Ieki
Emergency and Critical Care Center, Mie University Hospital, Japan
Akira Yamamoto
Department of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Mie University Hospital, Japan
Masaki Ohi
Department of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Mie University Hospital, Japan
Tadashi Kaneko
Emergency and Critical Care Center, Mie University Hospital, Japan
Hiroshi Imai
Emergency and Critical Care Center, Mie University Hospital, Japan

Keywords: esophageal perforation, thoracic osteophytes, blunt trauma, multidisciplinary approach

JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS

2022 Volume 61 Issue 17 Pages 2601-2605

DOI https://doi.org/10.2169/internalmedicine.8930-21

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Abstract

We herein report a 61-year-old man who sustained injury after a 2-m fall and developed mediastinitis. He presented to another hospital two days after the fall and was transferred to our hospital four days after the fall with a fever and dysphagia. Computed tomography revealed osteophytes on the second and third thoracic vertebrae and free air in the mediastinum, indicating esophageal perforation. Emergent surgery was performed. Intraoperatively, a longitudinal esophageal tear was identified. We stress the importance of being aware of the possibility of osteophyte-related esophageal perforation in patients with a history of a fall. A delayed diagnosis affects the prognosis.

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