Congenital bronchoesophageal fistula in an adult patient.

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital bronchoesophageal fistulas are extremely rare. Symptoms may not be detected before treatment or may be seen intermittently until advanced ages. Treatment is surgical closure of the fistula.

Case presentation: A 20-year-old female patient with presented complaints of sputum production and cough. A fistula was confirmed between the middle esophagus and the left main bronchus by bronchoscopy. Management is by surgical closure of the fistula via right thoracotomy. The patient had an uneventful recovery.

Conclusion: Congenital bronchoesophageal fistula malformation can cause long-term respiratory symptoms associated with the fistula and loss of lung parenchyma if left untreated.