Esophagocardiac Fistula

Abstract

FISTULOUS communications between the esophagus and the pericardial cavity,1 2 3 the aorta4 , 5 or other large vessels6 are rare lesions. This paper describes a case with a communication between the esophagus and the left atrium.Case ReportA 20-year-old soldier was found dead in bed in the billets. On the previous day he had reported to his dispensary after a short syncopal episode. He left after 45 minutes' observation. The vital signs were then normal. He had a 2-year history of severe burning epigastric pain relieved by antacids. Thirteen months before death an upper gastrointestinal series had been normal. The past history . . .