List some cause of oesophageal perforation
Iatrogenic - e.g. post instrumentation or post thoracic surgery (most common 75-85% of cases), trauma - both blunt (crush-type injury) and penetrating, foreign body ingestion, corrosive material ingestion, oesophageal cancer, spontaneous rupture post vomiting
What are the features of oesophageal perforation on plain chest film?
Pneumomediastinum, abnormal cardiomediastinal contour, pneumothorax and pleural effusion are all features, although non-specific, for oesophageal perforation
Multiple extraluminal gas locules can be identified in mediastinum particular anterior to pericardium, around oesophagus and ascending aorta. There is perforation of oesophgeal wall can be seen around level of T9 vertebrae.
Mild pleural effusion can be seen in right lung.