Undetected respiratory-esophageal fistulae in symptomatic adults : A prospective study of 6 cases identified on barium swallow examination.

Tolani Archna A.; Kapoor Priti

Volume : VII, Issue : VII, July - 2018

Undetected respiratory-esophageal fistulae in symptomatic adults : A prospective study of 6 cases identified on barium swallow examination.

Tolani Archna A. , Kapoor Priti

Abstract :

Aim:

· Establish incidence of undetected respiratory–esophageal fistulae (REF) in local adult population.

· Evaluation of different presentations of REFin adults.

· Study etiological associations.

· Follow up the cases detected and observeoutcome.

Methods :Overperiod of one year(September 2016 to September 2017), out of 151adultpatientsreferredtoDepartmentof Radiodiagnosis, MGM Hospital Kamotheforbarium swallowexamination, 6 adult patientsof REF werepicked up and enrolled.They wereabove 18 years of age, male andfemale. Patients below 18 years of age were excluded.

Results :Out of the 6 cases, 3 wereacquired oncho–esophageal fistulae (BEF) due to esophageal carcinoma, 1wasH type tracheo–oesophageal fistula (TEF) due to esophageal carcinoma, 1 wascongenital H type TEF, 1hadequivocal suspicion of post–tuberculosis BEFvis a vis congenital etiology.

Conclusion :Diagnosis ofREFis challenging. Esophagography is a sensitive test for diagnosing this condition.

Discussion :REFare rare. Symptoms areinsidious and inconspicuous;hencehigh degree of suspicion is required for diagnosis.Non ionic contrast medium under fluoroscopic guidance is the preferred examination.