The Pulse | Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Word of the Week: Boerhaave’s Syndrome

For this week’s Word of the Week, we are highlighting “Boerhaave’s Syndrome.” All of the terms and definitions are sourced from our very own SGNA GI/Endoscopy Nursing Review Course Certification Study Manual, 3rd Edition (2016).

Boerhaave’s Syndrome: Spontaneous perforation of the esophagus most commonly resulting from a full-thickness tear in the esophageal wall. Prognosis is poor unless immediate surgical intervention. 

• Cause
  • Occurrence from a sudden increase in intraesophageal pressure combined with relatively negative intrathoracic pressure caused by straining or vomiting and traumatic impact.
• Orgin
  • The condition was first documented by Herman Boerhaave in the 18^th century, not to be confused with Mallory-Weiss syndrome, which is only a mucosal tear.