A case of lung cancer (small cell carcinoma) occurring esophago-pericardial fistula and purulent pericarditis
Abiko, M.; Ohizumi, H.; Naruke, Y.; Takeda, F.; Koshika, M.; Yuki, Y.; Shimazaki, Y.
Kyobu Geka. Japanese Journal of Thoracic Surgery 52(11): 969-971
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-5252 PMID: 10513169 Document Number: 508115
A 72-year-old woman who had had an endoscopic sclerotherapy for esophageal varices presented with high fever and severe cough. Chest X-ray and CT demonstrated a pneumopericardium and pericardial effusion. Esophagoscopy and esophagography revealed an esophageal perforation into the pericardial cavity and into the lung. Consequently, drainage and irrigation of the pericardial cavity and mediastinum were done for MRSA infection. However, these procedures failed to reduce the inflammation, and she expired because of liver failure soon after placing a covered stent in the esophagus. Postmortem examination revealed small cell carcinoma in the left lung invading into the esophagus and pericardium.