Esophageal perforation in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis is frequently found in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and can result in diffuse lymphadenopathy from disseminated disease. A case is presented of esophageal erosion and perforation secondary to mediastinal lymph node enlargement from Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a patient positive for human immunodeficiency virus. Emergent surgical intervention required resection of the perforated esophagus, end-cervical esophagostomy, gastrostomy, and feeding jejunostomy. Long-term prognosis is poor owing to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, therefore, reconstruction at a later date is uncertain.