The rare case of oesophago-pericardial fistula secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis

Abstract

We report the case of a healthy 35-year-old male with two rare pathologies: pneumopericardium and oesophago-pericardial fistula (OPF) secondary to tuberculosis. Purulent pericarditis and cardiac tamponade are known complications with potential for significant morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, the symptoms of OPF are non-specific often delaying diagnosis. There is no gold standard for treatment or determinant of when nonsurgical versus surgical approach should be considered. Anti-tuberculous therapy alone is often adequate however an oesophageal stent was utilized in this case to rapidly gain control of the fistula and prevent ongoing contamination from mediastinitis.