Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: This report describes a case of esophago-pleural fistula (EPF) in an history of esophageal cancer (EC) patient, initially missed on CT but identified via squamous cells in pleural effusion. EPF is rare and challenging to diagnose due to subtle symptoms. The presence of squamous cells in pleural effusion, typically linked to lung cancer, initially confused the diagnosis given the patient's EC history. Methylene blue ingestion and clinical evaluation confirmed EPF. This case emphasizes the value of pleural fluid analysis in malignancy patients and the need for vigilance in EC patients, especially with radiation-induced esophagitis.
Source: Frontiers in Oncology
Authors: Shu Li, Zesen Han, Xue Zhang, Qihui Ge, Yingying Zhao, Shaojuan Lv, Min Li, Yongchao Zhu
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4414923420