Asymptomatic esophago-pleural fistula presenting 35 years after pneumonectomy for tuberculosis.
Postpneumonectomy esophago-pleural fistula (EPF) is rare and potentially life-threatening. It is mainly caused by surgical injury, local cancer recurrence, and chronic inflammation or infection. Patients with postpneumonectomy EPF usually present with empyema. We report a case of a clinically asymptomatic esophago-pleural fistula, diagnosed accidentally in a 64-year-old woman more than 30 years after right lobe pneumonectomy due to tuberculosis. Contrast-enhanced CT, chest radiography, and esophagogramm were the imaging modalities used together with esophagoscopy in diagnosing the EPF; however, contrast-enhanced CT in combination with oral given contrast-media is the first imaging technique of choice to evaluate esophago-pleural fistula.
Pache
Gregor
G
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. pache@mrs1.ukl.uni-freiburg.de
Thuerl
Christina
C
Bley
Thorsten
T
Kotter
Elmar
E
Ghanem
Nadir
N
D003287:Contrast Media; D004937:Esophageal Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000601:surgery
D003287:Contrast Media