Authors: E. Tautz · D. Wagner · S. Wiesemann · A. Jonaszik · C. Bode · T. Wengenmayer · D. Staudacher · P. Biever · J. Hoeppner · D. Duerschmied

Infection, 2019

Introduction

Broncho-esophageal fistula formation is a rare complication of tuberculosis, most often seen in immunocompromised patients.

Methods and Results

In this paper, we report the case of a young non-immunocompromised refugee from Somalia diagnosed with open pulmonary tuberculosis complicated by extensive osseous involvement and a broncho-esophageal fistula with consecutive aspiration of gastric contents. The patient rapidly developed a severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy for nearly 2 months. The fistula was initially treated by standard antituberculous combination therapy and implantation of an esophageal and a bronchial stent. Long-term antibiotic treatment was instituted for pneumonia and mediastinitis. 7 months later, discontinuity resection of the esophagus was performed and the bronchial fistula covered by an intercostal muscle flap.

Discussion

This case illustrates that tuberculosis should always be suspected in patients from high-incidence countries in case of lung involvement and that an interdisciplinary approach including long-term intensive care management can enable successful treatment of tuberculosis with severe, near-fatal complications.