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 asympt...
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Published in | Journal of thoracic imaging Vol. 20; no. 3; p. 223 |
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Main Authors | , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
United States
01.08.2005
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Subjects | |
Online Access | Get more information |
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Summary: | 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. |
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ISSN: | 0883-5993 |
DOI: | 10.1097/01.rti.0000155043.74533.79 |