Clin Endosc.  2013 Jan;46(1):91-94. 10.5946/ce.2013.46.1.91.

A Case of Spontaneous Esophagopleural Fistula Successfully Treated by Endoscopic Stent Insertion

• Kang GH
• Yoon BY
• Kim BH
• Moon HS
• Jeong HY
• Sung JK
• Lee ES

• KMID: 1792647
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5946/ce.2013.46.1.91

Abstract

The most common cause of esophagorespiratory fistulas (ERFs) is associated with malignancy. The use of self-expandable metal stents is effective for the treatment of malignant ERFs, but benign ERF is rare, which is why its optimal treatment is not defined yet. There have been few reports describing benign esophagopleural fistula and its treatments in South Korea. Here, we report a rare case of spontaneous esophagopleural fistula, which was successfully treated by endoscopic placement of a membrane covered metal stent.

Keyword

Esophagopleural fistula; Membrane covered metal stent

MeSH Terms

Fistula
Membranes
Republic of Korea
Stents

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Chest X-ray showing (A) a huge left pleural effusion and (B) inserted chest tube catheter.

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  Fig. 2 Esophagogram showing apparent leakage from above the esophagogastric junction to the left pleural cavity.

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  Fig. 3 Endoscopy images showing (A) a purulent fistular tract opening in the lower esophagus and (B) fully expanded stent.

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  Fig. 4 Endoscopy images showing (A) the lower esophagus after stent removal and (B) complete closure of the esophagopleural fistula 6 months later.

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