Oesophagopleural fistula as a novel cause of failed non-invasive ventilation

Abstract

Non-invasive ventilatory support is commonly used to palliate symptoms and extend longevity in patients with ventilatory failure due to neuromuscular and restrictive chest wall disease. We describe a patient with ventilatory failure due to a combination of these factors in whom the application of non-invasive ventilation led to intolerable symptoms. An unusual cause for this was found.