Esophagopleural fistula

Last revised by Henry Knipe on 23 Jan 2023

Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data

Citation:

Weerakkody Y, Knipe H, Bell D, et al. Esophagopleural fistula. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 19 Apr 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-26164

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-26164

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/26164

rID:

26164

Article created:

3 Dec 2013, Yuranga Weerakkody ◉

Disclosures:

At the time the article was created Yuranga Weerakkody had no recorded disclosures.

View Yuranga Weerakkody's current disclosures

Last revised:

23 Jan 2023, Henry Knipe ◉ ◈

Disclosures:

At the time the article was last revised Henry Knipe had the following disclosures:

Integral Diagnostics, Shareholder (ongoing)
Micro-X Ltd, Shareholder (ongoing)

These were assessed during peer review and were determined to not be relevant to the changes that were made.

View Henry Knipe's current disclosures

Revisions:

6 times, by 4 contributors - see full revision history and disclosures

Systems:

Chest

Synonyms:

Oesophagopleural fistulation
Oesophago-pleural fistula
Oesophago-pleural fistulation
Esophagopleural fistula
Esophago-pleural fistula
Pleuro-oesophageal fistula
Oesophageal-pleural fistulation

Esophagopleural fistulas are abnormal connections between the esophagus and pleura.

Pathology

They can arise from a number of underlying pathologies which can result in an esophageal rupture ³:

post surgical
endoscopic procedures
- post esophageal dilatation
secondary to tumor, e.g. esophageal cancer, lung cancer ⁷
esophageal tuberculosis⁶
from chemical injury following ingestion of corrosive substances
from irradiation

Radiographic features

CT

Thoracic CT with esophageal (oral) contrast may show a direct communication with the pleural space. Gas in the pleural space +/- pneumothorax/hydropneumothorax in correct clinical setting may also be useful in the diagnosis.