Congenital broncho-oesophageal fistula in the adult

Clin Radiol. 1991 Jun;43(6):380-4. doi: 10.1016/s0009-9260(05)80564-1.

Abstract

Five patients with congenital broncho-oesophageal fistula confirmed by fistulectomy are presented. Clinical symptoms were chronic or recurrent pulmonary infection, and three patients experienced coughing after swallowing. Pre-operative oesophagograms demonstrated broncho-oesophageal fistulas in all five patients. The fistulous communications were from the lower oesophagus to segmental bronchi of the lower lobe and to the left main bronchus. The fistulas showed smooth marginated serpentine margins with areas of internal trabeculation, and in two patients the fistulas communicated with anomalous bronchi. One patient had anomalous bronchi and subsequently underwent lobectomy which showed microscopic findings of intralobar sequestration. The oesophagus showed localized tenting with its apex to the fistula and mild ipsilateral displacement in four patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bronchi / pathology
  • Bronchial Fistula / congenital*
  • Bronchial Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Bronchial Fistula / pathology
  • Bronchography
  • Esophageal Fistula / congenital*
  • Esophageal Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Esophageal Fistula / pathology
  • Esophagus / diagnostic imaging
  • Esophagus / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male