Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
03:22

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion

Published on: November 10, 2023

Gastropleural fistula as a complication of empyema thoracis

S Arun1, Rakesh Lodha, Rajni Sharma

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|April 3, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Gastropleural fistula is rare in children, but this case highlights its occurrence as a complication of empyema thoracis. The patient also had chronic granulomatous disease, adding complexity to the presentation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Thoracic Medicine
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Gastropleural fistula is a rare condition, particularly in pediatric patients.
  • Empyema thoracis is a serious infection of the pleural space, often requiring intervention.

Observation:

  • A 7-year-old child presented with a gastropleural fistula.
  • This fistula developed as a complication following treatment for empyema thoracis.
  • The child had a concurrent diagnosis of chronic granulomatous disease.

Findings:

  • The case demonstrates a rare pediatric gastropleural fistula.
  • It highlights the potential for empyema thoracis to lead to this complication.
  • The presence of chronic granulomatous disease may influence the management or presentation.

Implications:

  • This case expands understanding of gastropleural fistula in children.
  • It underscores the importance of considering rare complications in pediatric empyema.
  • Further research may explore the role of underlying immune deficiencies in such cases.

Related Concept Videos

Pneumothorax-II01:27

Pneumothorax-II

Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Pneumothorax-I01:26

Pneumothorax-I

A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology01:08

Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology

Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction01:22

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction

Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Pleura of the Lungs01:13

Pleura of the Lungs

The lungs are nestled in a cavity, shielded by the pleura. The pleura, a form of serous membrane, wraps around each lung. This membrane arrangement consists of two layers: the visceral and parietal pleurae. The visceral pleura lines the surface of the lungIn contrast, the parietal pleura is the outer layer and contacts to the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. The hilum is the point of connection between the visceral and parietal layers. The space between the parietal and...