A Rare Tracheopleural Fistula Secondary to Chemoradiotherapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract

The literature regarding tracheopleural fistulae is limited: very little is known regarding the development of these fistulae secondary to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), for it is an exceedingly rare occurrence. However, given the high associated morbidity and mortality, analysis is needed. We report the case of a tracheopleural fistula in a 42-year-old man with clinical stage IV non-small cell lung cancer treated with chemoradiation. He presented with worsening shortness of breath and new-onset hemoptysis, and he was found to have a 2 cm tracheopleural fistula. Despite multiple interventions including rigid bronchoscopy and Y stent placement, he continued to deteriorate, and one month after diagnosis of the tracheopleural fistula, he died as a result of respiratory failure and septic shock