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Colobronchial fistula: an unusual complication of Crohn's disease
1Department of Medicine, East Carolina University School of Medicine, Greenville, North Carolina.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|December 1, 1994
Insights
Crohn's disease can cause fistulas in about a third of patients. This report details a rare colobronchial fistula, originating from the splenic flexure and extending into the bronchial tree.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
- Fistulas are a common complication, affecting approximately 33% of patients.
- Colobronchial fistulas are exceedingly rare manifestations of Crohn's disease.
Observation:
- A rare case of a colobronchial fistula secondary to Crohn's colitis is presented.
- The fistula originated from the splenic flexure of the colon.
- It traversed the diaphragm to involve the bronchial tree.
Findings:
- This case represents a unique presentation of a colobronchial fistula in Crohn's disease.
- The fistula's origin from the splenic flexure and diaphragmatic crossing are unusual features.
- This highlights the diverse and complex anatomical pathways fistulas can take in Crohn's disease.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of rare fistula complications in Crohn's disease.
- It underscores the importance of considering unusual presentations in diagnosis and management.
- Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms leading to such rare fistula formations.
Abstract:
Fistulas secondary to Crohn's disease occur in about 33% of patients. A colobronchial fistula complicating Crohn's disease is very rare, having been reported only twice previously. We present an unusual fistula secondary to Crohn's colitis that originated from the splenic flexure and crossed the diaphragm to involve the bronchial tree.