# Esophageal perforation as a complication of dengue fever: a case report

**Authors:** Mahmoud Yehya, Adel Abdelhadi, Alyaa Alramah, Rigashy Raghavan, Maaida Sheikh

PMC · DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjaf948 · 2025-11-25

## TL;DR

A patient with dengue fever developed a rare condition called Boerhaave syndrome due to severe vomiting and was successfully treated with surgery.

## Contribution

This is the first reported case of Boerhaave syndrome caused by dengue fever-related vomiting.

## Key findings

- Dengue fever can lead to severe vomiting that may cause Boerhaave syndrome.
- Prompt surgical intervention successfully treated the patient with dengue-related Boerhaave syndrome.

## Abstract

Boerhaave syndrome is a rare condition that is often caused by forceful vomiting, often linked to overeating or alcohol intake. Early diagnosis and management are essential to reduce mortality and morbidity. Severe vomiting from any cause may trigger the same mechanism. Dengue fever is a viral illness; besides fever, nausea and vomiting are common. No cases of Boerhaave syndrome as a complication of dengue fever have been reported. We describe a patient with confirmed dengue fever who developed Boerhaave syndrome after severe vomiting and underwent prompt surgical repair with successful recovery. To our knowledge, this presents the first reported case of Boerhaave syndrome secondary to dengue fever-related vomiting. Recognition of this rare complication and timely surgical intervention are critical to prevent fatal outcomes.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** dengue fever (MONDO:0005502), Boerhaave syndrome (MONDO:0022013)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** viral illness (MESH:D014777), vomiting (MESH:D014839), Boerhaave syndrome (MESH:C536571), nausea (MESH:D009325), fever (MESH:D005334), Dengue fever (MESH:D003715), Esophageal perforation (MESH:D004939)
- **Chemicals:** alcohol (MESH:D000438)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12646257/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12646257