Tracheoesophageal and aortoesophageal fistulae complicating corrosive esophagitis

Abstract

A 54 year old man suffered third degree caustic burns of the esophagus and proximal two thirds of the stomach. A tracheoesophageal fistula developed, and surgery was performed to exclude the esophagus from gastrointestinal reflux and to divert the oral secretions. An uneventful postoperative course was interrupted on the 27th day after the burn by massive hemoptysis and sudden death. Autopsy revealed an aortoesophageal fistula in addition to a tracheoesophageal fistula.