Intramural haematoma of the oesophagus complicated by perforation.

A case is presented where spontaneous bleeding into the wall of the oesophagus was exacerbated by anticoagulant therapy. Subsequently, iatrogenic, full-thickness perforation of the oesophagus occurred during endoscopy and, ultimately, oesophagectomy was required. If this condition is suspected on clinical grounds, the most appropriate sequence of investigations would appear to be contrast radiography in the first instance with cautious use of oesophagoscopy.