Congenital bronchoesophageal fistula in the adult: a case report

Am J Gastroenterol. 2000 Aug;95(8):2116-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2000.02022.x.

Abstract

Congenital bronchoesophageal fistula is a rare anomaly that may go undiagnosed for many years. There are <200 reported cases in the literature. Patients usually present with chronic cough, a history of multiple pneumonias, and, less often, hemoptysis. The most sensitive test to diagnose a bronchoesophageal fistula is barium esophagogram. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice and is definitive in almost all cases. We present the case of a 52-yr-old woman with a history of cough and multiple pneumonias who sought medical treatment for abdominal pain. We discuss the presentation and the radiographic, endoscopic, and surgical findings, along with a review of the literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bronchial Fistula / congenital*
  • Bronchial Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Bronchial Fistula / pathology
  • Bronchial Fistula / surgery
  • Esophageal Fistula / congenital*
  • Esophageal Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Esophageal Fistula / pathology
  • Esophageal Fistula / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Surgical Flaps