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J Craniovertebr Junction Spine 2022 Jan-Mar;13(1):9-16. Epub 2022 Mar 9.

Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Algiers University, Algiers, Algeria.

Background: Spondyloptosis is a rare presentation of cervical spine traumatism where listhesis is more than 100%. Traumatic cervical spine spondyloptosis (TCS) is one of the least discussed forms of cervical spine traumatisms because of its rarity and the gravity of patient's condition, limiting good management, and the number of reported cases.

Objectives: This study aimed to discuss clinical, radiological, and best management tools of the aforementioned pathology. Read More

Cureus 2021 Dec 16;13(12):e20464. Epub 2021 Dec 16.

Internal Medicine, Ocala Regional Medical Center (ORMC), Ocala, USA.

Pneumopericardium (PP), pneumomediastinum (PM), epidural pneumatosis, and subcutaneous emphysema (SE) are identified by the existence of free air or gas in the associated spaces. They are normally self-limited unless tension pneumothorax, tension PM, cardiac herniation, air tamponade, and esophageal rupture accompany these disorders. PM and PP can be divided into "spontaneous" or "secondary" based on the preceding etiologies. Read More

Cir Cir 2021 ;89(S1):23-27

Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.

An 83-year-old female patient presented to the Emergency Department with shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing and left-sided chest pain following a vomiting attempt. A rupture in the left lower third of the esophagus, with hydropneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and subcutaneous emphysema was revealed by chest X-ray, thoracic computed tomography scan, and contrast esophagography. The patient was successfully treated conservatively with closed thoracostomy, intravenous fluids, parenteral nutrition, and broad-spectrum antibiotics coverage. Read More

J Med Case Rep 2021 Nov 8;15(1):553. Epub 2021 Nov 8.

Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.

Background: Boerhaave's syndrome is the spontaneous rupture of the esophagus, which requires early diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms may vary, and diagnosis can be challenging.

Case Presentation: Case 1: A 54-year-old Chinese man presented to us with sudden-onset epigastric pain radiating to the back following hematemesis. Read More

Am J Gastroenterol 2021 11;116(11):2235-2240

Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia.

Introduction: "Push" or "pull" techniques with the use of snares, forceps, baskets, and grasping devices are conventionally used to manage esophageal food bolus impaction (FBI). A novel cap-assisted technique has recently been advocated to reduce time taken for food bolus (FB) removal. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the cap-assisted technique against conventional methods of esophageal FB removal in a randomized controlled trial. Read More

Orthopedics 2021 Jul-Aug;44(4):e563-e569. Epub 2021 Jul 1.

The effects of radiation therapy and laminectomy on the growing spine have been well documented. Due to compromised bone quality after irradiation, spinal fusion has a high failure rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate treatment of post-laminectomy and post-irradiation kyphosis in children using a vascularized rib graft (VRG) to augment anterior spinal fusion and posterior spinal fusion. Read More

J Clin Neurophysiol 2021 07;38(4):262-273

Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.

Summary: The autonomic nervous system is a complex neural network that controls several organ systems. Its assessment includes a detailed history of autonomic functions, clinical examination, and autonomic tests. Most widely used is a battery of tests that assess cardiovascular reflex autonomic and sudomotor tests, which include deep breathing (assesses parasympathetic function), Valsalva maneuver, tilt test (both assess parasympathetic and adrenergic functions), and sudomotor testing for the evaluation of postganglionic sudomotor fibers. Read More

Pan Afr Med J 2021 21;38:74. Epub 2021 Jan 21.

Cardiocare Specialty Hospital, Limi Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria.

Boerhaave's syndrome is an uncommon syndrome characterized by spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus with a high mortality rate. While excessive alcohol intake and binge-eating are the classic precipitants of this syndrome, medication-induced vomiting causing Booerhave's is quite uncommon. Traditionally managed operatively, conservative management is being increasingly reported in selected cases. Read More

Vet Surg 2021 Jul 9;50 Suppl 1:O67-O77. Epub 2021 Mar 9.

Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA.

Objective: To describe a laparoscopic technique for treatment of sliding hiatal hernia (SHH) and associated gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in brachycephalic dogs and document clinical and videofluoroscopic outcomes postoperatively.

Study Design: Prospective clinical trial.

Animals: Eighteen client-owned dogs. Read More

Vasc Endovascular Surg 2021 Jul 8;55(5):510-514. Epub 2021 Feb 8.

Cardiovascular Intervention Research Center, 158776Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Intramural hematoma of the esophagus (IHE) represents a rare condition on the spectrum of esophageal injuries. The most common symptoms are hematemesis, epigastric pain or retrosternal chest pains, odynophagia, and dysphagia. Early recognition of IHE is important as it may mimic other diseases such as myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, Mallory-Weiss tears, Boerhaave's syndrome, ruptured aortic aneurysms, and aortic dissection. Read More

Endocrine 2021 06 9;72(3):923-927. Epub 2021 Jan 9.

Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Purpose: Lingual thyroid glands are rare embryologic variants of undescended tissue centered in the base of the tongue. Despite notable size, many lingual thyroids can be asymptomatic, though intervention is warranted for progressive or emergent symptoms. We report a rare manifestation of a hemorrhagic lingual thyroid addressed with both interventional radiology and robotic techniques. Read More

Br J Nurs 2020 Dec;29(22):1308-1310

Senior Nurse, Emergency and Critical Department, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen City, China.

Oesophageal bezoars are one of the many causes of nasogastric tube obstruction; however, they are extremely rare and, therefore, not often considered to be the cause of a blockage. A bezoar is a solid mass of indigestible material that accumulates in the digestive tract. After a blockage is identified, the nasogastric tube is usually removed and another one inserted. Read More

Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022 Feb 22;45(2):144-145. Epub 2020 Oct 22.

UGC Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio, Granada, España.

Emerg Radiol 2021 Apr;28(2):401-407

Mount Auburn Hospital, 330 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.

Fluoroscopy-guided esophageal disimpaction of ingested food is a safe, effective, and cost-efficient alternative to endoscopically guided disimpaction. Patients with suspected esophageal impaction usually require fluoroscopy to confirm the diagnosis and determine the level of obstruction, which guides further management. Proximal esophageal food impactions at or near the cricopharyngeus muscle require an ENT intervention. Read More

Am J Case Rep 2020 Oct 22;21:e925046. Epub 2020 Oct 22.

Diagnostic Radiology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

BACKGROUND Cerebral air embolism is a rare iatrogenic complication of endoscopic procedures that can result in irreversible neurological damage. The symptoms of cerebral air embolism are nonspecific and may be attributed to sedation-related complications and central nervous system insults. Having awareness of this rare iatrogenic event and deciding on immediate imaging when it is suspected are essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2020 May;99(22):e20474

Pediatric Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Azienda USL of Reggio Emilia, Sant'Anna Hospital, Castelnovo ne' Monti, Italy.

Rationale: Triple-A syndrome, or Allgrove syndrome (AS), is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the alacrimia, achalasia, and adrenal insufficiency triad. Alacrimia usually starts at early infancy, while achalasia and adrenal insufficiency appear later during childhood or adulthood. Some patients may also present with the so-called Double-A syndrome (i. Read More

Am Heart J 2020 03 9;221:19-28. Epub 2019 Dec 9.

Department of Cardiology, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada. Electronic address:

Background: Although there have been several reports documenting complications related with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) manipulation following cardiac surgery, there is a paucity of data regarding the safety of TEE used to guide catheter-based interventions. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, types and risk factors of complications associated with procedures requiring active TEE guidance.

Methods: This study included 1249 consecutive patients undergoing either transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), Mitraclip, left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) or paravalvular leak closure (PVLC). Read More

World J Gastroenterol 2019 Sep;25(34):5174-5184

Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China.

Background: Adverse events during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of superficial esophageal neoplasms, such as perforation and bleeding, have been well-documented. However, the Mallory-Weiss Tear (MWT) during esophageal ESD remains under investigation.

Aim: To investigate the incidence and risk factors of the MWT during esophageal ESD. Read More

JAAPA 2019 Aug;32(8):1-3

Ryan Olivero practices general and thoracic surgery at St. John Providence Hospital in Novi, Mich. The author has disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

Spontaneous esophageal perforation, also called Boerhaave syndrome, is a relatively rare condition that can result in significant morbidity or mortality. The tear commonly involves all three layers of the esophagus. It results from increased intraluminal pressure, most commonly from violent retching and vomiting. Read More

Gastrointest Endosc 2019 06 26;89(6):1251-1252. Epub 2019 Feb 26.

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

Emerg Radiol 2019 Aug 21;26(4):373-379. Epub 2019 Feb 21.

McGovern Medical School, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, 2.130B, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.

Purpose: To evaluate chest injury patterns in pediatric patients involved in all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accidents.

Methods: Retrospective review of patients 0-18 years old admitted to a level I trauma institute following an ATV-related incident from 2004 to 2013 was performed. Chest injury type, accident mechanism, driver/passenger status, and demographic and clinical data were compared between patients with and without chest injury. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2018 Nov;97(48):e13422

Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University.

Rationale: Most of esophageal rupture is a very serious life-threatening benign gastrointestinal tract disease with high mortality. However, there are a few cases of spontaneous esophageal rupture during gastroscopy.

Patient Concerns: A 57-year-old man who underwent a routine diagnostic gastroscopy due to food obstruction was reported. Read More

Gastrointest Endosc Clin N Am 2018 Jan;28(1):97-110

Division of Digestive Diseases & Nutrition, Joy McCann Culverhouse Center for Swallowing Disorders, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, MDC 72, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. Electronic address:

In eosinophilic esophagitis, the main cause of solid-food dysphagia is tissue remodeling resulting in strictures and narrowed esophagus. Endoscopy and biopsies help to identify the degree of inflammation but often miss the fibrosis. Although initially considered dangerous, esophageal dilation has evolved into an extremely effective and safe treatment in fibrostenotic disease. Read More

J Biomed Res 2017 Jan;31(2):82-94

Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.

Cholesterol crystal embolic (CCE) syndrome is often a clinically challenging condition that has a poor prognostic implication. It is a result of plaque rupture with release of cholesterol crystals into the circulation that embolize into various tissue organs. Plaque rupture seems to be triggered by an expanding necrotic core during cholesterol crystallization forming sharp tipped crystals that perforate and tear the fibrous cap. Read More

Rev Esp Enferm Dig 2017 Jul;109(7):537

Radiología, Agencia Sanitaria Alto Guadalquivir. J Andalucía.

We present a case of a young 16 year old patient that had an esophageal perforation in the context of eosinophilic esophagitis. The esophagus showed vertical lacerations and mucosal thickness on endoscopy, thus a biopsy was performed in the proximal section which resulted in profuse bleeding due to a deep mucosal tear. A subsequent computed tomography scan revealed a perforation. Read More

Endoscopy 2017 Sep 31;49(9):848-854. Epub 2017 May 31.

Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St George Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) with/without laryngectomy commonly causes dysphagia. Pharyngoesophageal junction (PEJ) stricturing is an important contributor. We aimed to validate a functional lumen imaging probe (the EndoFLIP system) as a tool for quantitating pretreatment PEJ distensibility and treatment-related changes in HNC survivors with dysphagia and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of EndoFLIP-derived distensibility in detecting PEJ strictures. Read More

Gastrointest Endosc 2017 10 28;86(4):733-734. Epub 2017 Apr 28.

Department of Gastroenterology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

J Neurosurg Spine 2017 May 3;26(5):560-566. Epub 2017 Feb 3.

Institute of Clinical Orthopedic and Neurosciences, Desert Regional Medical Center, Palm Springs, California.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a very common surgery performed globally. Although a few cases of expectorating screws or extrusion of screws into the gastrointestinal tract through esophageal perforations have previously been reported, there has not been a case reporting pharyngeal perforation and entire cervical construct extrusion in the literature to date. In this report the authors present the first case involving the extrusion of an entire cervical construct via a tear in the posterior pharyngeal wall. Read More

Rev Esp Enferm Dig 2017 Jan;109(1):65-66

Aparato Digestivo, CHUS.

A 47-year-old man was attended at the emergency room for severe chest pain after eating sausage with subsequent vomiting and mild upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In the chest radiography we could not see abnormalities. He referred previous episodes of choking without consulting. Read More

Comp Med 2016 ;66(5):399-404

Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Division of Basic Science Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.

A 5.5-mo-old castrated, male Red Duroc pig presented acutely with depression and abdominal pain 9 d after an altercation with another pig. A CT examination indicated right pneumothorax and herniation of the stomach into the thoracic cavity. Read More