Classic presentation
     Acute, severe chest or epigastric pain after an episode of retching
     Fever
     Dyspnea
PE
     Tachycardia
     Tachypnea
     Subcutaneous emphysema
Radiography
     Unilateral pleural effusion (usually left)
     Subcutaneous or mediastinal emphysema (widened mediastinum)
     Contrast extravasation from the esophagus after a swallow study
Labs
     Pleural fluid will have
          High amylase concentration
          Low pH
          May contain particles of food

Content on this page has not been checked for accuracy. The author's credentials have not been confirmed. Always use multiple peer-reviewed scholarly sources and good clinical judgement in your decision making.

The Compendium platform was created by David Kwinter, MD, CCFP(EM).

Dr. Kwinter is a Cayman Family Doctor. He runs a Family Medicine Clinic at Cayman Medical in George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.