Right basal bronchial fistula due to amebic infection: a case report

Abstract

BackgroundPleuropulmonary amebiasis is the second most common form of extraintestinal invasive amebiasis, but cases that include bronchopleural fistula are rare.Case presentationA 43-year-old male was referred to our hospital for liver abscess, right pleural effusion, and body weight loss. He was diagnosed with a bronchopleural fistula caused by invasive pleuropulmonary amebiasis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. After initial medical treatment for HIV infection and invasive amebiasis, he underwent pulmonary resection of the invaded lobe. Intraoperative inspection revealed a fistula of the right basal bronchus in the perforated lung abscess cavity, but the diaphragm was intact. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 3 and was in good condition at the 1-year follow-up.ConclusionsClinicians should be aware that pleuropulmonary amebiasis can cause a bronchopleural fistula although it is very rare.