THE ESOPHAGOBRONCHIAL FISTULA

Abstract

A case of an acquired esophagobronchial fistula to a lesser bronchus of an azygos lobe is presented. The clinical grounds for suspicion of the esophagobronchial fistula in the adult are reviewed, and a summary of the usual varied etiologies of this disorder is presented. Emphasis is placed on the value of the esophagram which is most often the key to this difficult diagnosis. This procedure should be offered to any patient with repeated pulmonary disease or pulmonary symptomatology of obscure origin, as the possibility of cure from distressing symptoms of bronchitis and bronchiectasis may be effected.