Boerhaave syndrome is suspected on a clinical basis and confirmed with radiologic studies. As gastric content passes to mediastinum and usually pleural space, a delay in diagnosis raises morbidity and mortality significantly.

Boerhaave syndrome is a spontaneous longitudinal perforation of the esophagus due to forceful emesis first described by Hermann Boerhaave in the 18th century.

This pathology is best treated with definitive repair and mediastinal and/or pleural drainage procedures.