Fecopneumothorax and colopleural fistula - uncommon complications of Crohn's disease

BMC Gastroenterol. 2006 Jun 6:6:17. doi: 10.1186/1471-230X-6-17.

Abstract

Background: Colopleural fistula and fecopneumothorax are very rare complications of Crohn's disease. Fistula formation is frequent in Crohn's disease and occurs in approximately 33% of patients. On the other hand, fistulous communication between the pleural cavity and adjacent organs below the diaphragm is extremely rare.

Case presentation: We describe the case of 27 year-old female with colopleural fistula as a complication of Crohn's disease. The diagnosis was established with clinical exam, barium enema, chest X-ray, abdominal and chest CT exam. The treatment was surgical.

Conclusion: Colopleural fistula and fecopneumothorax are rare but life treating complications of Crohn's disease. Surgical treatment is mandatory as soon as the diagnosis is established.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Colonic Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Colonic Diseases / etiology*
  • Crohn Disease / complications*
  • Crohn Disease / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydropneumothorax / diagnostic imaging
  • Hydropneumothorax / etiology*
  • Intestinal Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestinal Fistula / etiology*
  • Radiography
  • Respiratory Tract Fistula / etiology*