Tracheoesophageal fistula: a serious complication of infectious esophagitis
Obrecht, W.F.; Richter, J.E.; Olympio, G.A.; Gelfand, D.W.
Gastroenterology 87(5): 1174-1179
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0016-5085 PMID: 6592122 Document Number: 226215
Infections of the esophagus are common in individuals with altered immune status. A review of the literature reveals that, in such patients, fungal organisms, particularly Candida and Aspergillus, can invade deeply into esophageal muscle. We report the development of a tracheoesophageal fistula following polymicrobial infectious esophagitis. This case, of a young woman with leukemia, emphasizes the need for early recognition and aggressive treatment of esophageal infections.