IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Acquired tracheoesophageal fistula

Case contributed by Andrea Andreone
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Patient with known esophageal neoplastic lesion located in the proximal third. Solid dysphagia. Patient was referred to our interventional unit for RIG positioning.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Male

Preoperative CT showing circumferential lesion located at the proximal esophageal third

In order to obtain a proper gastric distension, a 4F multipurpose catheter over an hydrophilic guide wire was advanced inside the esophagus; at the level of the lesion the guide wire stopped, so a tiny amount of iodinated contrast was injected. 

The patient immediately coughed, and tracheo-bronchial wall opacification was visible.

Then the guide wire was advanced and it passed inside the bronchial lumen (images not shown).

After several attempts, the guide wire was successfully pushed inside the gastric lumen and RIG positioning was performed.

A few days later an esophagogram with diluted barium was performed, confirming the presence of opacification of right distal bronchi, due to the presence of a tracheo-esophageal fistula.

Case Discussion

Tracheo-esophageal fistulas are rare complications of intubation or malignant lesions.

The diagnosis of tracheo-esophageal communication was certain as the guide wire passed from the esophagus to the bronchial lumen.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.