title: Spontaneous perforation of an oesophageal diverticulum in achalasia.
abstract: Spontaneous perforation of the oesophagus is a rare occurrence that is usually due to vomiting and is seldom associated with an oesophageal lesion. We report a case of the spontaneous perforation of a large oesophageal diverticulum not preceded by any precipitating event in a 75-year-old male who was not known to have achalasia. The diverticulum was repaired by emergency surgery. Achalasia was later diagnosed and successfully treated with botulin toxin injection. Surgery decision-making and the treatment of achalasia are discussed.
authors: Chair of Gastroenterology, University of Milan, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore, Milan, Italy.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Cantù
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Bozzani
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Penagini
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004936:Diverticulum, Esophageal / Q000150:complications*; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000150:complications*; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male