Esophageal Perforation: Assessment with Multidetector Row Computed Tomography

Esophageal perforation (EP) is a life-threatening condition that can be quickly diagnosed on the bases of findings on computed tomography (CT) that may be performed early in the clinical course when typical symptoms such as vomiting, chest pain, and subcutaneous emphysema are present. Because there is a considerable variability in the clinical manifestations of EP, CT may play both primary and complementary roles in their diagnosis and evaluation and allows early detection of complications. So CT facilitates an accurate and prompt diagnosis of EP and contributes to a more successful outcome for these patients.