Presentation
Patient with known esophageal neoplastic lesion located in the proximal third. Solid dysphagia. Patient was referred to our interventional unit for RIG positioning.
Patient Data
Preoperative CT showing circumferential lesion located at the proximal esophageal third
In order to obtain a proper gastric distension, a 4F multipurpose catheter over an hydrophilic guide wire was advanced inside the esophagus; at the level of the lesion the guide wire stopped, so a tiny amount of iodinated contrast was injected.
The patient immediately coughed, and tracheo-bronchial wall opacification was visible.
Then the guide wire was advanced and it passed inside the bronchial lumen (images not shown).
After several attempts, the guide wire was successfully pushed inside the gastric lumen and RIG positioning was performed.
A few days later an esophagogram with diluted barium was performed, confirming the presence of opacification of right distal bronchi, due to the presence of a tracheo-esophageal fistula.
Case Discussion
Tracheo-esophageal fistulas are rare complications of intubation or malignant lesions.
The diagnosis of tracheo-esophageal communication was certain as the guide wire passed from the esophagus to the bronchial lumen.
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