title: Rupture of the cervical esophagus from blunt trauma.
abstract: A patient had a left anterolateral linear tear of the lower cervical esophagus with concomitant second rib fracture after a steering wheel injury. Diagnosis of the lesion was delayed because of initial absence of physical signs. Subsequent operative drainage and repair were unsuccessful.
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D004947:Esophagus / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012253:Rib Fractures / Q000209:etiology; D012421:Rupture; D013997:Time Factors; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications*