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. 2013 May 16;5(5):270-2.
doi: 10.4253/wjge.v5.i5.270.

Boerhaave's syndrome during bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol in a patient with postpolypectomy bleeding

Ji-Youn Yu  1 , Seung-Kyoung Kim, Eun-Chul Jang, Ju-Ok Yeom, Sun-Young Kim, Young-Seok Cho
Affiliations

Boerhaave's syndrome during bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol in a patient with postpolypectomy bleeding

Ji-Youn Yu et al. World J Gastrointest Endosc. .

Abstract

Boerhaave's syndrome is spontaneous rupture of the esophagus, a rare condition with high mortality that occurs most often after forceful vomiting. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution is the most common preparation used for colonoscopy. Since large volumes have to be ingested, PEG may induce severe vomiting or retching. However, Boerhaave's syndrome has rarely been reported as a potential problem related to PEG solution. We report a case of spontaneous esophageal rupture due to violent vomiting during bowel preparation with PEG solution in a patient with postpolypectomy bleeding.

Keywords: Colonoscopy; Esophageal perforation; Polyethylene glycols.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Chest computed tomography shows a left pleural effusion and peri-esophageal fluid collection.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Upper endoscopy shows a 15 mm × 12 mm perforation with stigmata of recent bleeding distal to the Z-line on the left side of the esophagus.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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