Asymptomatic esophago-pleural fistula presenting 35 years after pneumonectomy for tuberculosis

• Published in: Journal of thoracic imaging Vol. 20; no. 3; p. 223
• Main Authors: Pache, Gregor, Thuerl, Christina, Bley, Thorsten, Kotter, Elmar, Ghanem, Nadir
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.08.2005
• Subjects: Contrast Media; Esophageal Fistula - diagnostic imaging; Esophageal Fistula - etiology; Esophageal Fistula - surgery; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Pleural Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Pleural Diseases - etiology; Pleural Diseases - surgery; Pneumonectomy - adverse effects; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary - surgery

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...