Benign Broncho-esophageal Fistula Presenting as Unresolved Pneumonia

J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. 2019 Dec;29(12):S148-S150. doi: 10.29271/jcpsp.2019.12.S148.

Abstract

Benign acquired broncho-esophageal fistula (BEF) in adults is a very rare entity and has not been reported properly in the literature, compared to malignant BEF. Nonetheless, infection has predisposed most of the reported benign acquired BEF cases. We report here a case of tuberculous BEF, in a patient with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). He presented with recurrent chest infections, and choking. Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy showed BEF due to tuberculous mediastinal lymphadenopathy, and the patient was managed by surgery successfully. He was prepared for surgery for one month by nutritional support and anti-tuberculous treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Bronchial Fistula / complications
  • Bronchial Fistula / diagnosis*
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / methods
  • Esophageal Fistula / complications
  • Esophageal Fistula / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mediastinal Diseases / complications*
  • Mediastinal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Mediastinal Diseases / microbiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumonia / diagnosis*
  • Pneumonia / etiology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / complications*
  • Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / diagnosis