The Editor,

Sir,

Boerhaave syndrome or spontaneous oesophageal rupture is a rare, potentially fatal condition. Patients usually present with pain, dyspnoea, and signs of shock after forced vomiting. 

ABSTRACT

Spontaneous oesophageal rupture (Boerhaave’s syndrome) is extremely rare in children. Presentation is usually in middle aged men as a result of vomiting following heavy food or alcohol consumption. We describe an unusual case of a 12-year old boy without significant past medical history presenting with acute chest pain following gastroenteritis.