title: A case of traumatic rupture of the distal oesophagus: the importance of early diagnosis.
abstract: We present a case of blunt traumatic rupture of the distal oesophagus successfully managed following early diagnosis and treatment. This is a rare cause of oesophageal perforation. We present the evidence that early diagnosis of ruptured oesophagus leads to reduced mortality and fewer complications. Our report reminds colleagues to consider this unusual and potentially fatal condition in cases of blunt chest trauma.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Sussex, UK. elliot1940@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Elliott D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Smock
authors.forename: Aldridge
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Andrew
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D004947:Esophagus / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D012421:Rupture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery