Acquired Thoracic Fistulas

Abstract

Fistulas are abnormal connections between 2 epitheliallined structures. Thoracic fistulas may result from nonanatomic communications between spaces within the thorax, such as the lung, tracheobronchial tree, pleural space, and mediastinal structures, or between thoracic spaces and extrathoracic structures, such as the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, thoracic fistulas may result in communication between thoracic spaces and the spine or vascular structures. Potential causes include trauma, infection, neoplasm, surgical intervention, or medical syndromes. In this article, we discuss various acquired thoracic fistulas and their potential causes, key multimodality imaging manifestations, and clinical significance.

Consensus of free flap complications: Using a nomenclature paradigm in microvascular head and neck reconstruction

“…Panelists agreed that a fistula in the head and neck patient following reconstructive surgery represents a salivary leak. Less clear cut, however, was the necessity for this abnormal connection to be epithelial‐lined, which has been described in the thoracic literature to classify fistulas 62 . The specificity of the term “fistula” as a salivary leak in the head and neck was further reiterated in clarification of the term “wound dehiscence” (I‐CVI = 0.73).…”

“…Less clear cut, however, was the necessity for this abnormal connection to be epithelial-lined, which has been described in the thoracic literature to classify fistulas. 62 The specificity of the term "fistula" as a salivary leak in the head and neck was further reiterated in clarification of the term "wound dehiscence" (I-CVI = 0.73). Here, panelists noted that dehiscence of a surgical wound or incision site does not encompass a "fistula."…”