Esophago-pleuro-cutaneous fistula. A case report

Extensive Subcutaneous Emphysema Post-traumatic Tube Thoracostomy

Bronchocutaneous fistula (BCF) is a pathologic communication between the bronchus and the subcutaneous tissue. Its diagnosis is made mainly by chest imaging, and bronchoscopy can help in accurately localizing the fistula. Treatment options include conservative and non-conservative approaches. We report a case of iatrogenic bronchocutaneous fistula occurring after traumatic chest tube placement in an 81-year-old man, treated efficiently with conservative management.

Tubercular esophagocutaneous fistula

Tubercular esophagocutaneous fistula is a rare entity with only about four cases reported so far. We report here a case in a young female who has a very long tract but responded well to antitubercular treatment.

Pleurocutaneous fistula after tube thoracostomy: sonographic findings

Pleurocutaneous fistula is defined as a pathologic communication between the pleural space and the subcutaneous tissues. It can occur as a complication of an infectious process, neoplasm, foreign body aspiration, or iatrogenic procedures. Diagnosis is usually made on imaging studies, such as CT. We describe a 72-year-old woman with esophageal cancer who underwent chest tube placement for postesophagectomy drainage. After removal of the chest tube, a right chest wall mass was noted. Transcutaneous sonographic evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of pleurocutaneous fistula.

Tuberculous esophagocutaneous fistula

Esophagocutaneous fistula due to tuberculosis is a distinctly rare entity, with only two cases reported over the past 25 years. We report this unusual complication in an 85-year-old, human immunodeficiency virus-negative man and review the relevant literature.