A Case of Carcinoma Oesophagus with Spontaneous Oesophagopleural Fistula

Abstract

Oesophagopleural fistula is a condition which occurs secondary to oesophageal surgery, instrumentation, malignancy or a rare pneumonectomy complication. The radiological signs of the EPF depend upon site, duration, and severity of perforation; and more importantly, the integrity of pleura. If the pleura remains intact, mediastinitis sets in with rupture of mediastinal pleura, pneumothorax, or hydrothorax. If the pleura is not intact, EPF can occur with resultant decompression of oesophageal contents into the pleura and thus mediastinum may not be involved.