Intrathoracic oesophageal perforation and secondary pleuropneumonia: Five cases

Summary Perforation of the oesophagus is an uncommon event that can occur for a variety of reasons. While cervical ruptures of the oesophagus can be managed successfully, intrathoracic lesions warrant a far worse prognosis. Intrathoracic rupture of the oesophagus can occur spontaneously, with no known history of oesophageal obstruction, and may not be identified until a septic pleuropneumonia develops. This report describes the history, clinical presentation, response to therapy and outcome of 5 cases of intrathoracic oesophageal perforation and secondary septic pleuropneumonia.