A Rare Case of Malignant Esophago-Pulmonary Fistula and Lung Suppuration

Abstract

Acquired fistulae between esophagus and respiratory tract are a well-known complication of carcinoma affecting esophagus or tracheobronchial tree. Most of these are either esophago-tracheal or esophago-bronchial fistulae. Esophago-pulmonary fistulae are also being reported, even though rare. We report a case of esophago-pulmonary fistula secondary to malignancy where the diagnosis was made by radiographic and endoscopic work up. This case is unique due the fact that aspiration of commensal organisms from the gut caused severe necrosis and suppuration in the lung.