Successful medical management of esophagopericardial fistula
Naggar, C.Z.; Daly, P.A.; Burke, M.J.; Swartz, M.R.
Heart and Lung the Journal of Critical Care 16(1): 47-49
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0147-9563 PMID: 3641828 Document Number: 305270
Esophagopericardial fistula is a rare condition, usually presenting with cardiac tamponade, and is invariably fatal in the adult patient. In our patient the disorder resulted from fistulization secondary to a malignant tumor. Immediate decompression of resultant tense pneumopericardium can be accomplished safely through percutaneous pericardiocentesis without the need for surgery. Rarely, as in the present case, spontaneous closure of esophagopericardial fistula is encountered.