FATAL AORTIC-ESOPHAGEAL FISTULA FROM A SWALLOWED FISHBONE

Abstract

Reports have appeared of fatal hemorrhage resulting from a foreign body in the The case presented here emphasizes the need for early esophagoscopy in cases in which a foreign body in the esophagus is suspected. Chevalier Jackson has stated Esophagoscopy is demanded in every case in which a foreign body is known to be, or suspected to be, in the esophagus. To this dictum might be added only the word early. REPORT OF CASE History.— C. S., a Negro girl aged 12 years, was admitted to the medical service of the Jersey City Medical Center on Jan. 16, 1939. She had excruciating pain in the lower sternal and left interscapular areas. The past history and family history contained nothing significant. The present illness began January 6, when, during a meal which included fried fish, the patient complained of a sticking sensation in the midsternal region. The pain increased