Tubercular oesophagocutaneous fistula

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health concern, primarily affecting the lungs but capable of manifesting in various extrapulmonary sites.
• Oesophageal involvement in tuberculosis is uncommon, often presenting insidiously or mimicking other benign or malignant conditions.
• Oesophagocutaneous fistula is a rare and severe complication, typically associated with advanced malignancy or instrumentation trauma.

Observation:

• This report presents a unique case of a patient diagnosed with oesophageal tuberculosis.
• The patient developed a complex complication: an oesophagocutaneous fistula, a direct communication between the oesophagus and the skin.
• This specific presentation represents an exceedingly rare manifestation of oesophageal TB.

Findings:

• The case highlights the potential for oesophageal tuberculosis to lead to severe and unusual complications like oesophagocutaneous fistula formation.
• A comprehensive review of existing literature was conducted to identify and analyze previously reported cases of this rare condition.
• The findings underscore the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by such rare presentations of TB.

Implications:

• This case and literature review contribute to a better understanding of the diverse clinical spectrum of oesophageal tuberculosis.
• Awareness of this rare complication is crucial for clinicians managing patients with suspected or confirmed oesophageal TB.
• Further research may be warranted to elucidate the pathogenesis and optimize management strategies for oesophagocutaneous fistulas in the context of tuberculosis.