Congenital bronchoesophageal fistula in the adult

Congenital bronchoesophageal fistulas, when not associated with esophageal atresia, are compatible with life and may persist until adulthood before diagnosis has been established. We report such a rare case of a 55-year-old Caucasian female with a history of repeated pulmonary infections, suffering from cough during the last 12 months due to a mass in the right lung. A bronchoesophageal fistula (type III according to Braimbridge and Keith classification) was incidentally discovered during thoracotomy which was resected and end-sutured. Following that, a right lower lobectomy was performed. The patient had an uneventful recovery. The final diagnosis of congenital bronchoesophageal fistula was established excluding all the reasons that lead to the acquired disease. The diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are analyzed and the relevant literature is reviewed.