Thoracic complications of esophageal disorders

Diagnosis and Management of Esophageal Fistulas After Lung Transplantation: A Case Series

Background

Lung transplantations are highly complex procedures, often conducted in frail patients. Through the addition of immunosuppressants, healing can be compromised, primarily leading to the development of bronchopleural fistulas. Although esophageal fistulas (EFs) after lung transplantation remain rare, they are associated with significant morbidity. We aimed to investigate the clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies of EF after lung transplantation.

Methods

All patients who developed EF after lung transplantation at the University Hospitals Leuven between January 2019 and March 2022 were retrospectively reviewed and the clinical presentations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies were summarized.

Results

Among 212 lung transplantation patients, 5 patients (2.4%) developed EF. Three patients were male and median age was 39 y (range, 34-63). Intraoperative circulatory support was required in 3 patients, with 2 needing continued support postoperatively. Bipolar energy devices were consistently used for mediastinal hemostasis. All EFs were right-sided. Median time to diagnosis was 28 d (range, 12-48) and 80% of EFs presented as recurrent respiratory infections or empyema. Diagnosis was made through computed tomography (n = 3) or esophagogastroscopy (n = 2). Surgical repair with muscle flap covering achieved an 80% success rate. All patients achieved complete resolution, with only 1 patient experiencing a fatal outcome during a complicated EF-related recovery.

Conclusion

Although EF after lung transplantation remains rare, vigilance is crucial, particularly in cases of right-sided intrathoracic infection. Moreover, caution must be exercised when applying thermal energy in the mediastinal area to prevent EF development and mitigate the risk of major morbidity. Timely diagnosis and surgical intervention can yield favorable outcomes.

A Malignant Connection: Bronchoesophageal-Pleural Fistula in an Elderly Farmer

Bronchoesophageal-pleural fistula (BEPF) is a very rare entity that can present as a late manifestation of oesophageal malignancy. Here, we describe the case of an elderly farmer with no past medical history of note who presented with acute respiratory failure associated with a five-month history of dysphagia and weight loss.

Computerised tomography of the thorax showed a connection between the oesophagus, bronchus and pleural space: a bronchoesophageal-pleural fistula. Ultrasound-guided thoracentesis was followed by chest drain insertion into an empyema containing food debris. Histopathological analysis of endoscopic biopsies confirmed an eroding squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oesophagus. An oesophageal stent was inserted to seal off the fistula and broad-spectrum antibiotics were maximised. Ultimately, after four weeks in hospital, palliative therapy was initiated.

BEPF remains a very rare and devastating complication of oesophageal malignancy. Endoscopic stenting may provide symptomatic relief.

Pearls and Pitfalls in Postsurgical Imaging of the Chest

A variety of surgical procedures are utilized to treat a spectrum of cardiopulmonary diseases. In the imaging of patients in the post-operative period, it is important to have an understanding of surgical techniques including invasive and minimally invasive procedures and the expected postsurgical findings. Knowledge of certain patient risk factors, various complications associated with specific surgical procedures, and a keen attention to detail are essential to avoid misinterpretation and delay diagnosis. Prompt detection of potential complications allows timely intervention, thereby, optimizing patient outcomes in the post-operative period.

An updated review of the TNM classification system for cancer of the oesophagus and its complications

Cancer of the esophagus is an aggressive cancer with high mortality. Because of the esophagus's lack of serosa and its peculiar lymphatic drainage, esophageal cancer is diagnosed in advanced stages. The eighth edition of the TNM (2017) aims to standardize care for esophageal cancer throughout the world; it includes not only patients treated with esophagectomy alone, but also those receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. One new development in the eighth edition is that it establishes separate classifications for different time periods, with pathologic stage groups for prior to treatment (cTNM), after esophagectomy (pTNM), and after neoadjuvant therapy (ypTNM). The combined use of endoscopic ultrasound, CT, PET-CT, and MRI provides the greatest accuracy in determining the clinical stage, and these techniques are essential for planning treatment and for evaluating the response to neoadjuvant treatment. Esophagectomy continues to be the main treatment; it is also the elective gastrointestinal surgery that has the highest mortality, and it carries the risk of multiple complications, including anastomotic leaks, pulmonary complications, technical complications, and functional complications.

Oesophageal rupture from a pneumatic blast injury: an unusual mechanism of blunt oesophageal trauma

Oesophageal perforation is a serious condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Clinical suspicion of oesophageal injury in patients sustaining neck or torso trauma is essential as early diagnosis and management are associated with better outcomes. Oesophageal perforation resulting from blunt trauma is uncommon, and traumatic oesophageal perforation following blast injury is exceedingly rare. We present two cases of patients developing oesophageal perforation from this rare mechanism, review basic principles of management, and key learning points.

A rare cause of esophagopleural fistula due to intensity-modulated proton therapy: a case report and review of literature

Esophagopleural fistula (EPF), initially described in 1960, is an abnormal communication between the esophagus and the pleural cavity which can occur due to congenital malformation or acquired due to malignancy or iatrogenic treatment. The most common presenting symptoms are of a respiratory infection, such as fever, chest tenderness, cough and imaging findings consistent with pleural fluid consolidation. In this report, we present a 59-year-old man who exhibited shortness of breath, productive cough, and significant weight loss for 2 weeks. His medical history was significant for smoking-related lung disease and pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). His SCC (T4N0) was diagnosed 6 years prior to this presentation and was treated with chemoradiotherapy. The cancer recurred a year ago and he was treated with intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) and consolidation chemotherapy. During admission, he was found to have an EPF by CT scan after initially failing antibiotic treatment for suspected complicated pneumonia and pleural effusion. Multiple attempts of esophagopleural fistula closure were made using endoscopic self-expandable metallic stents and placement of an esophageal vacuum-assisted closure device. However, these measures ultimately failed and, therefore, he required an iliocostalis muscle flap (Clagett window) procedure for closure. Esophageal pulmonary fistulae should be suspected whenever patients have undergone thoracic IMPT and may present with acute pulmonary complications, particularly pneumonia refractory to antibiotic treatment. This case reviews the current literature, potential complications, and treatment options for esophagopleural fistulas.

Caustic ingestion: CT findings of esophageal injuries and thoracic complications

Ingestion of caustic substances, whether accidental or for the purpose of suicide, can cause severe lesions of the lips, oral cavity, pharynx, upper gastrointestinal system, and upper airways. In particular, caustic agents could be responsible for severe esophageal injuries resulting in short- and long-term complications. Because of these important clinical implications, timely diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial. In the evaluation of esophageal injuries, thoraco-abdominal computed tomography (CT) is preferable to endoscopy as it avoids the risk of esophageal perforation and allows the evaluation of esophageal injuries as well as of the surrounding tissue. In this review, we report CT findings of esophageal injuries and possible related thoracic complications caused by caustic ingestion.

An updated review of the TNM classification system for cancer of the esophagus and its complications

Cancer of the esophagus is an aggressive cancer with high mortality. Because of the esophagus's lack of serosa and its peculiar lymphatic drainage, esophageal cancer is diagnosed in advanced stages. The eighth edition of the TNM (2017) aims to standardize care for esophageal cancer throughout the world; it includes not only patients treated with esophagectomy alone, but also those receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. One new development in the eighth edition is that it establishes separate classifications for different time periods, with pathologic stage groups for prior to treatment (cTNM), after esophagectomy (pTNM), and after neoadjuvant therapy (ypTNM). The combined use of endoscopic ultrasound, CT, PET-CT, and MRI provides the greatest accuracy in determining the clinical stage, and these techniques are essential for planning treatment and for evaluating the response to neoadjuvant treatment. Esophagectomy continues to be the main treatment; it is also the elective gastrointestinal surgery that has the highest mortality, and it carries the risk of multiple complications, including anastomotic leaks, pulmonary complications, technical complications, and functional complications.

Acquired Thoracic Fistulas

Fistulas are abnormal connections between 2 epithelial-lined structures. Thoracic fistulas may result from nonanatomic communications between spaces within the thorax, such as the lung, tracheobronchial tree, pleural space, and mediastinal structures, or between thoracic spaces and extrathoracic structures, such as the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, thoracic fistulas may result in communication between thoracic spaces and the spine or vascular structures. Potential causes include trauma, infection, neoplasm, surgical intervention, or medical syndromes. In this article, we discuss various acquired thoracic fistulas and their potential causes, key multimodality imaging manifestations, and clinical significance.

Cinematic rendering enhancements to virtual bronchoscopy: assessment of emergent tracheal pathology

Utilizing complex lighting models, cinematic rendering is a novel technique for demonstrating computed tomography data with exquisite 3D anatomic detail. The tracheal lumen, tracheal wall, and adjacent soft tissue structures are represented with photorealistic detail exceeding that of conventional volume rendering or virtual bronchoscopy techniques. We applied cinematic rendering to a spectrum of emergent tracheal pathologies: traumatic tracheal tears, tracheoesophageal fistulas, tracheal foreign bodies, tracheal stenosis (intrinsic and extrinsic causes), tracheal neoplasms, and tracheomalacia. Cinematic rendering images enable visually accessible evaluation and comprehensive understanding of acute tracheal pathology, which is likely to be of value to both interventional pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons who are determining patient treatment plans.

Diagnostic Utility of CT and Fluoroscopic Esophagography for Suspected Esophageal Perforation in the Emergency Department

OBJECTIVE. We evaluated the diagnostic utility of CT in emergency department (ED) patients with suspected esophageal perforation and assessed whether subsequent fluoroscopic esophagography is necessary. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This retrospective study included consecutive adult patients presenting to an urban academic tertiary care ED from January 1, 2000, to August 31, 2017, who underwent CT and fluoroscopic esophagography within 1 calendar day (< 27 hours) of each other for suspected esophageal perforation. The use of oral or IV contrast material and the CT findings (i.e., pneumomediastinum, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, unexplained mediastinal fluid or stranding, esophageal wall air or frank esophageal wall disruption, or extraluminal oral contrast material) were documented. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. Surgical or procedural intervention results or clinical follow-up results were the reference standard. RESULTS. One hundred three patients met the inclusion criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for diagnosing esophageal perforation were 100.0%, 79.8%, 32.1%, and 100.0%, respectively, with CT and 77.8%, 98.9%, 87.5%, and 97.9% with fluoroscopic esophagography. Combining CT and fluoroscopic esophagography did not improve sensitivity, specificity, PPV, or NPV relative to using CT alone. The true-positive esophageal perforation rate was 8.7% for CT and 6.8% for fluoroscopic esophagography. When CT showed only pneumomediastinum (n = 51) or no pneumomediastinum (n = 14), the NPV of CT was 100.0%. CT with oral contrast material had a PPV of 38.5%, whereas CT without oral contrast material had a PPV of 26.7%. CONCLUSION. CT has a high NPV similar to that of fluoroscopic esophagography and has greater sensitivity than fluoroscopic esophagography for diagnosing suspected esophageal perforation. Fluoroscopic esophagrams do not provide additional information that changes clinical management beyond the information that CT provides. In ED patients with suspected esophageal perforation, CT with oral contrast material should be considered the initial imaging examination and can obviate fluoroscopic esophagography.

Imaging Evaluation of Airway Complications After Lung Transplant

Airway complications (ACs) after lung transplant remain a challenge and include bronchial dehiscence, bronchial stenosis, tracheobronchomalacia, infections, and bronchial fistulas. The spectrum of complications may coexist along a continuum and can be classified as early (<1 month after transplant) or late (>1 month), and anastomotic or nonanastomotic. Bronchiolitis obliterans is the most common form of chronic lung allograft rejection. Airway compromise is seen in rare instances of lung torsion, and imaging may provide helpful diagnostic clues. Computed tomography (CT) and bronchoscopy play major roles in the diagnosis and treatment of ACs after lung transplant. Chest CT with advanced postprocessing techniques is a valuable tool in evaluating for airways complications, for initial bronchoscopic treatment planning and subsequent posttreatment assessment. Various bronchoscopic treatment options may be explored to maintain airway patency. The goal of this article is to review imaging findings of ACs after lung transplantation, with emphasis on chest CT and bronchoscopic correlation.

Sepsis in Acute Mediastinitis - A Severe Complication after Oesophageal Perforations. A Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Despite recent advancements in antibiotic therapy and the progress made in critical care and modern diagnostic methods, acute mediastinitis continues to be a severe condition.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Acute mediastinitis can occur in the context of cardio-thoracic surgery, oesophageal perforations and oropharyngeal infections condition. Forty-five percent of oesophageal perforations occurs during simple endoscopy. Spontaneous perforation (Boerhaave syndrome) accounts for 15% of perforations, and twelve percent are due to the ingestion of foreign bodies. Other causes include blind or penetrating trauma, and circa 9% to intraoperative lesions. CT scan is the standard investigation that reveals direct signs of mediastinitis.The oral administration of contrast substances can underscore the level of oesophageal perforation. Conservative treatment is the first-choice treatment and surgical treatment is reserved only for specific situations.The principles of surgical treatment consist of drainage, primary suture, oesophageal exclusion with or without the application of oesophagectomy, endoscopic vacuum wound assisted therapy of the perforation and associated paraoesophageal mediastinal drainage and endoscopic stenting associated with drainage.

CONCLUSIONS

The lowest mortality rate is recorded in patients with perforations diagnosed less than twenty-four hours after the onset of symptoms. Surgical treatment remains the gold standard especially in cases of thoracic and abdominal perforations while further investigations are mandatory before endoscopic stenting is carried out.

Value of Multidetector Computed Tomography in the Assessment of Achalasia Subtypes and Detection of Pulmonary and Thoracic Complications

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings in patients with achalasia, to assess its role in differentiating subtypes in detecting lung involvement and extra-esophageal thoracic complications.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This clinical retrospective study included 51 patients with manometrically confirmed achalasia who underwent chest X-ray and MDCT in diagnostic work-up. Esophageal wall thickness and morphology, luminal dilatation, lung changes, and extra-esophageal manifestations were analyzed on MDCT by 2 readers. Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test were used for assessing the differences among the achalasia subtypes, and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) assessing the inter-observer agreement between the measurements of 2 readers.

RESULTS

Fourteen (27.5%) patients had achalasia subtype I, 21 (60.8%) had subtype II while 6 (11.8%) had subtype III. Esophageal wall thickness of the esophageal body (EB) and distal esophageal segment (DES) as well as nodular/lobulated appearance of DES were found significantly more often in subtype III (p = 0.024, p < 0.001, p = 0.009, respectively). Esophageal dilatation gradually decreased from subtype I to III (p = 0.006). Chest X-ray revealed lung changes in 9 (17%) and MDCT in 21 (41%) patients (p = 0.001), most frequently in subtype I, with predominance of ground-glass opacities. Tracheal/carinal compression was detected in 27 (52.9%) and left atrial compression in 17 (33.3%) patients. Excellent inter-observer agreement was observed in measuring the EB and DES wall thickness, and diameter of EB (ICC 0.829, 0.901, and 0.922).

CONCLUSION

MDCT is a useful tool for detecting lung and extra-esophageal thoracic complications in patients with achalasia, and could be a valuable additional imaging modality in the differentiation of achalasia subtypes.

Surgical management of early and late esophageal perforation

Introduction

Esophageal perforation is a rare and life-threating problem with a 10%–40% mortality rate. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for prevention of complications. Strategies for treatment of esophageal perforation have been controversial for many years, especially in cases of late presentation.

Methods

We prospectively studied 27 patients (12 male, 17 female, mean age 42.7 ± 17.8 years) who presented with esophageal perforation from 1996 to 2015, and evaluated the results of surgical treatment. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to time of presentation: early (<24 h), intermediate (24–72 h), and late (>72 h). We also considered the etiology and site of esophageal perforation, complications, and mortality.

Results

Surgery was performed in 5 patients in the early group, 7 in the moderate group, and 15 in the late group. Primary repair was carried out in 5 cases, primary repair and reinforcement with a flap in 10, esophageal resection and reconstruction in 8, and a T-tube stent was used in 4. Four patients developed a fistula postoperatively, and there was one death due to respiratory failure. No relationship was found between complications and the cause of perforation, time of presentation, or type of treatment.

Conclusion

In patients without sepsis, primary repair can be an option even in those presenting late after esophageal perforation, with an acceptable result.

Clinical application of oral meglumine diatrizoate esophagogram in screening esophageal fistula during radiotherapy for esophageal cancer

INTRODUCTION

Esophageal fistula is a serious and common complication of radiotherapy for esophageal cancer. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment is necessary. Because of side effect of barium esophagography, it cannot be used to screening esophageal fistula during radiotherapy. Meglumine diatrizoate is an ionic contrast agent, its adverse reactions were rarely seen when it was used in the body cavity. The purpose of this trial is identified the sensitivity and specificity of oral meglumine diatrizoate in an esophagogram for screening esophageal fistula during radiotherapy.

METHODS/DESIGN

This trial was a prospective, multicenter, diagnostic clinical trial. A total of 105 patients with esophageal cancer will swallowed meglumine diatrizoate and underwent a radiographic examination weekly during radiotherapy, medical personnel observed the esophageal lesions to determine whether an esophageal fistula formed. If an esophageal fistula was observed, esophagofiberoscopy and/or computer tomography was used to further confirm the diagnosis. And the sensitivity and specificity of meglumine diatrizoate should be calculated for screening esophageal fistula during radiotherapy.

DISCUSSION

To our knowledge, this study protocol is the first to identify the sensitivity and specificity of oral meglumine diatrizoate in an esophagogram for screening esophageal fistula during radiotherapy. If oral meglumine diatrizoate can be used to screening esophageal fistula, more patients will benefit from early detection and treatment.

Management of aorto-esophageal fistula secondary after thoracic endovascular aortic repair: a review of literature

Aorto-esophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare and lethal entity, and the difficulty of making diagnosis of AEF is well-known. As promising results in the short-term effectiveness of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) promote its usage, the occurrence of AEF after TEVAR (post-TEVAR AEF) increases as one of the major complications. Therefore, we provide a review concerning the management strategy of post-TEVAR AEF. Although its representative symptom was reported as the triad of mid-thoracic pain and sentinel hematemesis followed by massive hematemesis, the symptom-free interval between sentinel hemorrhage and massive exsanguination is unpredictable. However, the physiological condition represents a surgical contraindication. Accordingly, early diagnosis is important, but either CT or esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy rarely depicts a typical image. The formation of post-TEVAR AEF might be associated with the infection of micro-organisms, which is uncontrollable with anti-biotic administration. The current first-line strategy is combination therapy as follows, (1) to control bleeding by TEVAR in the urgent phase, and (2) radical debridement and aortic/esophageal re-construction in the semi-urgent phase. In view of the high mortality and morbidity rate, it is proposed that the choice in treatment strategies might be affected by patient`s condition, size of the wall defects and the etiology of AEF. Practically, we should keep in mind the importance of making an early diagnosis and, once a suspicious symptom has occurred in a patient with a history of TEVAR, the existence of post-TEVAR AEF should be suspected. A prospective registry together with more developed technologies will be needed to establish a future strategy.

Multidimensional evaluation of tracheobronchial disease in adults

The large airways can be affected by a wide spectrum of acquired benign and malignant diseases. These lesions may present as focal or diffuse processes and with narrowing or widening of the airway. Some of these may be asymptomatic for quite some time and may be incidentally detected on imaging, while others may be symptomatic, causing airway compromise. There may be a characteristic radiograph and computed tomography (CT) appearance, suggesting a narrow differential. When the imaging findings are not definitive, tissue may be obtained for pathological analysis. It behooves the radiologist to be familiar with the pathologic findings that correlate with the radiographic or CT appearance of the most frequently seen large airway lesions. In this way, we may improve our diagnostic accuracy. This paper will present the imaging findings of the most prevalent tracheobronchial lesions along with any associated pathology. Teaching Points • The large airways can be affected by many acquired benign and malignant diseases.• Large airway lesions may present as focal or diffuse processes, with narrowing or widening.• There may or may not be characteristic imaging appearance of large airway disease.• If imaging findings are not definitive, tissue may be obtained for pathological analysis.

A dental nightmare, resolved: what a radiologist needs to know when consulted about ingestion of dental foreign body material

Ingestion of dental foreign bodies, while relatively rare, may cause serious, and occasionally fatal, injuries to the airways and gastrointestinal tract. Numerous case reports are available describing the clinical course of such ingestions. The aim of this paper is to develop concise, practical recommendations to aid radiologists in providing clinically relevant diagnostic information, thereby accelerating detection and management of acute ingestion of dental material.

Aortic Pseudoaneurysm Secondary to Mediastinitis due to Esophageal Perforation

Esophageal perforation is a condition associated with high morbidity and mortality rates; it requires early diagnosis and treatment. The most common complication of esophageal rupture is mediastinitis. There are several case reports in the literature of mediastinitis secondary to esophageal perforation and development of aortic pseudoaneurysm as a complication. We report the case of a patient with an 8-day history of esophageal perforation due to foreign body (fishbone) with mediastinitis and aortic pseudoaneurysm. The diagnosis was made using Computed Tomography (CT) with intravenous and oral water-soluble contrast material. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy did not detect the perforation.

From esophagus to rectum: a comprehensive review of alimentary tract perforations at computed tomography

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract perforation is a life-threatening condition that can occur at any site along the alimentary tract. Early perforation detection and intervention significantly improves patient outcome. With a high sensitivity for pneumoperitoneum, computed tomography (CT) is widely accepted as the diagnostic modality of choice when a perforated hollow viscus is suspected. While confirming the presence of a perforation is critical, clinical management and surgical technique also depend on localizing the perforation site. CT is accurate in detecting the site of perforation, with segmental bowel wall thickening, focal bowel wall defect, or bubbles of extraluminal gas concentrated in close proximity to the bowel wall shown to be the most specific findings. In this article, we will present the causes for perforation at each site throughout the GI tract and review the patterns that can lead to prospective diagnosis and perforation site localization utilizing CT images of surgically proven cases.

Usefulness of Ultralow-Dose (Submillisievert) Chest CT Using Iterative Reconstruction for Initial Evaluation of Sharp Fish Bone Esophageal Foreign Body

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article was to evaluate the usefulness of ultralow-dose chest CT as an initial imaging study for evaluation of sharp fish bone esophageal foreign body (FB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 57 subjects who underwent ultralow-dose chest CT were included in this retrospective study. All subjects had a history of ingestion and symptoms of esophageal FB. All ultralow-dose chest CT data were reconstructed twice, once with filtered back projection (FBP) and once with iterative reconstruction, and three observers reviewed the images independently. ROC analysis was used to evaluate diagnostic performance of ultralow-dose chest CT. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for analysis of interobserver agreement.

RESULTS

Among 57 patients, 42 were confirmed as having esophageal FB. Significant objective noise reduction of mediastinum was achieved using an iterative reconstruction technique. Subjective image noise of iterative reconstruction was significantly better than that of FBP. Overall diagnostic performance of ultralow-dose chest CT for esophageal FB of iterative reconstruction (AUC = 0.999) was significantly better than that of FBP (AUC = 0.95) (p = 0.02). Interobserver agreement was greater for iterative reconstruction (ICC = 0.944) than for FBP (ICC = 0.778).

CONCLUSION

Ultralow-dose chest CT using iterative reconstruction provided satisfactory diagnostic image quality for identifying fish bone esophageal FB with reduced radiation dose and high observer accuracy. Therefore, ultralow-dose chest CT would be adequate as a first-line imaging modality for fish bone esophageal FB.

Esophageal perforation after anterior cervical surgery: a review of the literature for over half a century with a demonstrative case and a proposed novel algorithm

PURPOSE

To review relevant data for the management of esophageal perforation after anterior cervical surgery.

METHODS

A case of delayed esophageal perforation after anterior cervical surgery has been presented and the relevant literature between 1958 and 2014 was reviewed. A total of 57 papers regarding esophageal perforation following anterior cervical surgery were found and utilized in this review.

RESULTS

The treatment options for esophageal perforation after anterior cervical surgery were discussed and a novel management algorithm was proposed.

CONCLUSION

Following anterior cervical surgery, patients should be closely followed up in the postoperative period for risk of esophageal perforation. Development of symptoms like dysphagia, pneumonia, fever, odynophagia, hoarseness, weight loss, and breathing difficulty in patients with a history of previous anterior cervical surgery should alert us for a possible esophageal injury. Review of the literature revealed that conservative treatment is advocated for early and small esophageal perforations. Surgical treatment may be considered for large esophageal defects.

Role of endoscopic clipping in the treatment of oesophageal perforations

With advances in endoscopic technologies, endoscopic clips have been used widely and successfully in the treatment of various types of oesophageal perforations, anastomosis leakages and fistulas. Our aim was to summarize the experience with two types of clips: The through-the-scope (TTS) clip and the over-the-scope clip (OTSC). We summarized the results of oesophageal perforation closure with endoscopic clips. We processed the data from 38 articles and 127 patients using PubMed search. Based on evidence thus far, it can be stated that both clips can be used in the treatment of early (< 24 h), iatrogenic, spontaneous oesophageal perforations in the case of limited injury or contamination. TTS clips are efficacious in the treatment of 10 mm lesions, while bigger (< 20 mm) lesions can be treated successfully with OTSC clips, whose effectiveness is similar to that of surgical treatment. However, the clinical success rate is significantly lower in the case of fistulas and in the treatment of anastomosis insufficiency. Tough prospective randomized multicentre trials, which produce the largest amount of evidence, are still missing. Based on experience so far, endoscopic clips represent a possible therapeutic alternative to surgery in the treatment of oesophageal perforations under well-defined conditions.

Esophageal Perforation and Acute Bacterial Mediastinitis: Other Causes of Chest Pain That Can Be Easily Missed

Esophageal perforation is a rare condition that is commonly missed. Male gender and alcohol use are predisposing risk factors. Most of the cases are iatrogenic or traumatic; nonetheless, spontaneous cases are not uncommon. It typically occurs after vomiting or straining as the increased intra-abdominal pressure transmits into the esophagus and results in the tear. One of the main complications is acute bacterial mediastinitis from contamination with esophageal flora. This condition can be life-threatening because it is very frequently misdiagnosed and appropriate management is often delayed.A 49-year-old man presented with worsening sudden-onset interscapular back pain that then changed to chest pain with odynophagia and was found to have fever and leukocytosis.Chest computed tomography revealed signs of mediastinitis with possible esophageal perforation. He reported symptoms started 2 days ago after lifting of heavy objects. Empiric antimicrobial was begun with conservative management and avoidance of oral intake. Barium esophagram and esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed no signs of perforation or inflammation. His symptoms resolved and he gradually resumed oral intake. Blood cultures grew Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and he was discharged on appropriate antibiotics for 4 weeks. He did well on follow-up 3 months after hospitalization.The case highlights the importance of considering esophageal etiologies of chest pain.

Treatment of Esophageal Perforation: A Single-Center Expertise

Background and Aims:

Esophageal perforation is a rare diagnosis, which is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. There is only small scientific background regarding the best choice of treatment. Parameters indicating a good clinical outcome seem to be localization, depth of the defect, pre-existing risk factors, and time interval between the event and start of treatment.

Material and Methods:

We evaluate retrospective data from 39 patients who were treated with a esophageal perforation in our hospital between 2004 and 2012.

Results and Conclusions:

Our collected data agree with the available published literature. Endoscopic treatment seems to be favorable in early diagnosis.

Respiratory dysfunction is common in patients with achalasia and improves after pneumatic dilation

BACKGROUND

Dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest pain are common achalasia, with a variable report of pulmonary symptoms possibly due to micro-aspiration. Pneumatic dilation (PD) may improve pulmonary function. Data on pulmonary dysfunction among achalasia patients are scanty, and the effect of PD is unknown.

AIM

To evaluate pulmonary dysfunction in patients with achalasia based on clinical and radiologic evaluation and spirometry and to study the effect of PD at 1-month follow-up.

METHODS

Patients with achalasia (diagnosed using high-resolution manometry and the Chicago classification) were evaluated prospectively by spirometry before (n = 38) and 1 month after PD (n = 31). All patients received a chest X-ray, and patients with respiratory abnormality before PD received high-resolution computed tomography of the thorax.

RESULTS

Of the 38 patients, 17 and 21 had type I and II achalasia, respectively. The respiratory symptoms, such as pharyngeal symptoms [27/38 (71 %) vs. 8/31 (26 %); P = 0.0001], cough [23/38 (60.5 %) vs. 5/31 (16 %), P = 0.0001], and dyspnea [8/38 (21 %) vs. 0/31 (0 %), P = 0.006], improved after treatment with PD. Spirometry showed abnormalities in 17/38 (45 %) patients before and in 8/15 (53 %) after PD. Median FEV(1), FVC, PEFR, and percentage of predicted MEF(25-75), improved from 78 % (36-85), 74 % (48-100), 62 % (18-72), and 48 % (15-66) before to 83 % (58-94), 86 % (55-99), 69 % (38-81), and 59 % (33-78) after PD, respectively (P < 0.05 for all).

CONCLUSION

Respiratory symptoms and spirometry abnormalities are common in patients with achalasia and improved after successful PD.

Treatment of esophagopleural fistulas using covered retrievable expandable metallic stents

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of placement of covered retrievable expandable metallic stents for esophagopleural fistulas (EPFs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During the period 1997-2013, nine patients with EPF were treated using covered retrievable expandable metallic stents. The underlying causes of EPF were esophageal carcinoma (n = 6), lung cancer (n = 2), and postoperative empyema for Boerhaave syndrome (n = 1).

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in eight patients (88.9%). In one patient, incomplete EPF closure was due to incomplete stent expansion. Clinical success, defined as complete EPF closure within 7 days, was achieved in five patients (55.6%). Overall fistula persistence (n = 1) or reopening (n = 4) occurred in five patients (55.6%) 0-15 days after stent placement. The causes of reopening were due to the gap between the stent and the esophagus (n = 3) or stent migration (n = 1). For fistula persistence or reopening, additional interventional management, such as gastrostomy, stent removal, or stent reinsertion, was performed. Stent migration occurred as a complication in one patient with EPF from a benign cause secondary to postoperative empyema. In the eight patients who died during the follow-up period, the mean and median survival times were 78.8 days and 46 days, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Placement of a covered expandable metallic esophageal stent for the palliative treatment of EPF is technically feasible, although the rate of clinical success was poor secondary to fistula persistence or reopening. Fistula reopening was caused by the gap between the stent and the esophagus or by stent migration, and additional interventional treatment was useful to ensure enteral nutritional support.

Efficacy of surgical versus conservative treatment in esophageal perforation: a systematic review of case series studies

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of surgical treatment for esophageal perforation.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed. We conducted a search strategy in the main electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase and Lilacs to identify all case series.

RESULTS

Thirty three case series met the inclusion criteria with a total of 1417 participants. The predominant etiology was iatrogenic (54.2%) followed by spontaneous cause (20.4%) and in 66.1% the localization was thoracic. In 65.4% and 33.4% surgical and conservative therapy, respectively, was considered the first choice. There was a statistically significance different with regards mortality rate favoring the surgical group (16.3%) versus conservative treatment (21.2%) (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Surgical treatment was more effective and safe than conservative treatment concerning mortality rates, although the possibility of bias due to clinical and methodological heterogeneity among the included studies and the level of evidence that cannot be ruled out.

Esophagobronchial fistulae: Diagnosis by MDCT with oral contrast swallow examination of a benign and a malignant cause

We report two cases of esophagobronchial fistulae diagnosed by Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) oral contrast swallow examination. It is helpful to supplement the CT study with an oral contrast swallow as it aids in confirmation of a suspected fistula and also demonstrates the fistula tract better. We present the clinical details and the imaging findings on MDCT of two cases of esophagobronchial fistulae – one secondary to chronic chest tuberculosis and the other secondary to a squamous cell carcinoma of the upper esophagus – followed by discussion of the etiology, pathogenesis, and imaging of these fistulae.

Spontaneous esophageal perforation (Boerhaave syndrome): Diagnosis with CT-esophagography

Spontaneous esophageal perforation (Boerhaave syndrome) is a very uncommon, life-threatening surgical emergency that should be suspected in all patients presenting with lower thoracic-epigastric pain and a combination of gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms. Variable clinical manifestations and subtle or unspecific radiographic findings often result in critical diagnostic delays. Multidetector computed tomography complemented with CT-esophagography represents the ideal "one-stop shop" investigation technique to allow a rapid, comprehensive diagnosis of BS, including identification of suggestive periesophageal abnormalities, direct visualization of esophageal perforation and quantification of mediastinitis.

Multidetector computed tomography of spontaneous versus secondary pneumomediastinum in 89 patients: can multidetector computed tomography be used to reliably distinguish between the 2 entities?

PURPOSE

To analyze the multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings of spontaneous pneumomediastinum (PM) to determine whether MDCT can reliably differentiate spontaneous from secondary PM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective clinical and chest MDCT analysis of all patients diagnosed with spontaneous PM over an 8-year period was performed. Radiologic comparison was undertaken with patients diagnosed with secondary PM from a central airways defect, esophageal rupture, or recent intervention in the airway or esophagus. The Fisher exact test for independence was used to compare the different MDCT findings between the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 89 patients were analyzed, with 1 secondary PM patient being included in both esophageal and central airways subsets, as the patient had an esophageal balloon-assisted intubation. Thirty-four patients were diagnosed with spontaneous PM. Compared with 28 patients with secondary PM from esophageal pathology, spontaneous PM patients were more likely to have air in the anterior mediastinum (97% vs 61%, P<0.001) and pulmonary interstitial emphysema (57% vs 4%, P<0.001), and less likely to show subdiaphragmatic air (0% vs 32%, P<0.001), pleural effusions (9% vs 61%, P<0.001), and acute pulmonary airspace opacities (14% vs 50%, P=0.003). Similarly, compared with 28 patients with secondary PM from trachea and bronchi pathology, patients with spontaneous PM were more likely to have pulmonary interstitial emphysema (57% vs 25%, P=0.01), and were less likely to show subdiaphragmatic air (0% vs 25%, P=0.002), pleural effusions (9% vs 39%, P=0.005), and acute pulmonary airspace opacities (14% vs 43%, P=0.02).

CONCLUSION

Spontaneous PM is associated with a favorable clinical course, and it is possible to suggest this clinical diagnosis based on typical MDCT findings and clinical presentation.

Nonvascular, nontraumatic mediastinal emergencies in adults: a comprehensive review of imaging findings

Given their high frequency, mediastinal emergencies are often perceived as being a result of external trauma or vascular conditions. However, there is a group of nonvascular, nontraumatic mediastinal emergencies that are less common in clinical practice, are less recognized, and that represent an important source of morbidity and mortality in patients. Nonvascular, nontraumatic mediastinal emergencies have several causes and result from different pathophysiologic mechanisms including infection, internal trauma, malignancy, and postoperative complications, and some may be idiopathic. Some conditions that lead to nonvascular, nontraumatic mediastinal emergencies include acute mediastinitis; esophageal emergencies such as intramural hematoma of the esophagus, Boerhaave syndrome, and acquired esophagorespiratory fistulas; spontaneous mediastinal hematoma; tension pneumomediastinum; and tension pneumopericardium. Although clinical findings of nonvascular, nontraumatic mediastinal emergencies may be nonspecific, imaging findings are often definitive. Awareness of various nonvascular, nontraumatic mediastinal emergencies and their clinical manifestations and imaging findings is crucial for making an accurate and timely diagnosis to facilitate appropriate patient management.

Traumatic esophago-bronchopleural fistula-CT finding and treatment using glue: A procedure not so commonly performed

Bronchopleural fistulas can occur from a number of causes (infective, traumatic, or neoplastic). Combined esophageal-pleural and bronchopleural fistula is not a common entity and previously has been reported after pneumonectomy. We describe the imaging findings and procedure of endoscopic glue injection in a case of combined esophageal-pleural and bronchopleural fistula after penetrating thoracic trauma. The treatment included esophageal exclusion for esophageal-pleural fistula, followed by endoscopic injection of glue for closure of bronchopleural fistula. The fistulae were completely sealed.