Gastropleural fistula originating from the lesser curve: a recognised complication, an uncommon pathway of communication.
Fistulous communications between the abdominal and the pleural cavity are rare; they implicate intra-abdominal sepsis. We present a rare case of subphrenic abscess following gastric perforation, which resulted in thoracic empyema. This report emphasises that gastropleural fistulas, although uncommon, should be considered in differential diagnoses of thoracic empyema, especially when there is a longstanding history of peptic ulceration.
Virlos
I
I
Cardiothoracic Centre, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, UK. itvirlos@hotmail.com
Asimakopoulos
G
G
Forrester-Wood
C
C
D016724:Empyema, Pleural / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005747:Gastric Fistula / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010439:Peptic Ulcer Perforation / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D010994:Pleura / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013369:Subphrenic Abscess / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery