Candida esophageal perforation and esophagopleural fistula: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Esophageal perforation is a rare disease, which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Its clinical presentation can mimic other disease processes and, therefore, it can be easily misdiagnosed. Candida infection of the esophagus is an extremely rare cause of esophageal perforation. Case presentation: We report the youngest pediatric case in the medical literature of spontaneous esophageal perforation and an esophagopleural fistula due to Candida infection. Conclusion: A high index of suspicion, especially in the presence of Candida empyema and the absence of disseminated infection, should raise the possibility of esophageal perforation with esophagopleural fistula formation. This can lead to early diagnosis and surgical intervention, which would decrease the high mortality rate of this rare condition. © 2008 Al-Shawwa et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.