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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
04:47
Systematic Bronchoscopy: the Four Landmarks Approach
Published on: June 23, 2023
Acquired bronchoesophageal fistula
Deepak Aggarwal1, Prasanta Raghab Mohapatra, Balbir Malhotra
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India.
Lung India : Official Organ of Indian Chest Society
|February 19, 2010
Summary
A rare bronchoesophageal fistula in an adult, caused by endoscopy trauma, led to recurrent infections and swallowing difficulties. Diagnosis confirmed a connection between the right lower lobe bronchus and esophagus.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Bronchoesophageal fistula is uncommon in adults, often linked to malignancy.
- Traumatic fistulas are exceedingly rare, posing diagnostic and management challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of bronchoesophageal fistula secondary to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
- To highlight the clinical presentation and diagnostic findings of post-endoscopic bronchoesophageal fistula.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an adult patient with suspected bronchoesophageal fistula.
- Diagnostic workup included clinical evaluation and barium swallow study.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with recurrent chest infections and dysphagia after an endoscopic procedure.
- Barium swallow confirmed a fistulous tract between the right lower lobe bronchus and the esophagus.
Conclusions:
- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy can, in rare instances, cause bronchoesophageal fistula.
- Prompt diagnosis via imaging is crucial for managing such rare complications.
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