Esophagopericardial fistula as a rare complication after total gastrectomy for cancer

World J Surg Oncol. 2009 Jul 6:7:58. doi: 10.1186/1477-7819-7-58.

Abstract

Background: Esophagopericardial fistula is a rare but life-threatening complication of benign, malignant or traumatic esophageal disease. It is most commonly associated with benign etiology and carries a high mortality rate which increases with delay in diagnosis.

Case presentation: We present a case of an esophagopericardial fistula as a rare complication in a 53-year-old male patient, 7 months after total gastrectomy for an adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction.

Conclusion: The prognosis of esophagopericardial fistula is poor, especially when it is associated with malignancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Esophageal Fistula / etiology*
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Esophagogastric Junction*
  • Fistula / etiology*
  • Gastrectomy / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pericardium*
  • Pneumopericardium / etiology
  • Stomach Neoplasms / surgery*