Renal colic causing Boerhaave syndrome

Boerhaave syndrome is the spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus, usually due to vomiting. The condition is rare but can be fatal. A 30-year-old male presented with vomiting and pain in his left flank and chest. Computed tomography scanning of the chest, abdomen and pelvic revealed a 4 mm left proximal ureteric stone and pneumo-mediastinum due to oesophageal rupture, consistent with Boerhaave syndrome. The patient underwent insertion of left ureteric stent, with staged left ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy. The patient's oesophageal rupture was managed conservatively, and he made a full recovery. This is only the second report of renal colic causing Boerhaave syndrome.

Keywords: Boerhaave; Renal colic; oesophageal perforation; oesophageal rupture; urolithiasis.