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Intramural Esophageal Abscess Complicated with Pleural Fistula: A Case Report
Shruti Kumar1, Muthu Kumar Sakthivel2, Thangavijayan Bosemani2
1Radiology, Shri Sai Hospital, Patna, IND.
Abstract:
Intramural esophageal abscess is a rare entity caused by mucosal injury to the esophagus but without transmural perforation. The mucosal disruption provides access to the intraluminal infectious contents to traverse into the loose submucosal tissue, resulting in an intramural abscess. It is important to be well-versed in the clinical and imaging findings of this pathology in order to make a timely diagnosis. Here, we present a case of intramural esophageal abscess complicated with a pleural fistula with a focus on the radiological features of this rare entity. To our knowledge, this is the first time that an esophageal intramural abscess complicated with pleural fistula is discussed in peer-reviewed literature.
Insights
Intramural esophageal abscess, a rare condition from mucosal injury, can lead to infection in the esophageal wall. This case highlights imaging findings of an esophageal intramural abscess complicated by a pleural fistula.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Intramural esophageal abscesses are uncommon, stemming from mucosal breaches allowing intraluminal pathogens into the submucosa.
- Timely diagnosis relies on understanding clinical and imaging characteristics of this rare esophageal pathology.
Observation:
- This report details a unique case of an intramural esophageal abscess.
- The abscess was complicated by the development of a pleural fistula, a rare occurrence.
Findings:
- Focus on the specific radiological features observed in this complex case.
- This presentation is the first documented instance of an intramural esophageal abscess with a concurrent pleural fistula in scientific literature.
Implications:
- Enhances awareness of intramural esophageal abscess presentations and potential complications.
- Provides valuable insights for radiologists and clinicians in diagnosing and managing this rare condition.
- Contributes novel information to the understanding of esophageal abscesses and their fistulizing complications.
