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Esophageal Perforation with Unilateral Fluidothorax Caused by Nasogastric Tube

Lukas P Mileder1, Martin Müller1, Friedrich Reiterer1

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.

Case Reports in Pediatrics
|November 3, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Esophageal perforation is a rare but serious injury in preterm infants from medical tubes. This case highlights a neonate with a malpositioned nasogastric tube causing a significant pleural effusion.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Preterm infants face risks from medical interventions.
  • Esophageal perforation is a rare but severe complication.
  • Causes include suctioning, intubation, and tube placement.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of esophageal perforation in a preterm neonate.
  • To highlight diagnostic challenges and imaging findings.
  • To review signs, symptoms, and diagnostic methods for infant esophageal perforation.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a neonate born at 23 weeks+3 days gestation.
  • Review of chest radiography findings.
  • Summary of clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management.

Main Results:

  • Chest radiography revealed a malpositioned nasogastric tube.
  • Massive right-sided pleural effusion of Iopamidol confirmed esophageal perforation.
  • The infant experienced a serious complication from nasogastric tube placement.

Conclusions:

  • Esophageal perforation is a critical complication in neonates requiring prompt diagnosis.
  • Imaging is crucial for identifying tube malposition and associated effusions.
  • Awareness of clinical signs and diagnostic approaches is vital for timely intervention.

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