TB Research

Tuberculosis as a Cause of Broncho-esophageal Fistula

Thara Pratap, Muhammed Jasim Abdul Jalal, Hari P Lakshmanan, Abhishek Vishnu, Antony Chettupuzha

Indian Journal of Respiratory Care · 2021-06

Abstract

We report a case of broncho-esophageal fistula associated with tuberculosis. A 29-year-old female diagnosed with smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis on anti-tuberculosis treatment for 2 months presented with complaints of cough on food intake with food particles present in the expectorant. Radiological examination revealed mediastinal lymphadenopathy and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed multiple fistulous tracts in the esophagus. Small fistulae were treated by clipping and large fistulae were treated with self-expandable metallic stents which resulted in the alleviation of symptoms.

MeSH terms

  • Medicine
  • Tuberculosis
  • Fistula
  • Esophagus
  • Mediastinal lymphadenopathy
  • Surgery
  • Endoscopy
  • Dysphagia
  • Sputum
  • Radiology
  • Gastroenterology