CTICases ← All cases

Tracheoesophageal Fistula (Post-Radiation for Tracheal SCC)

Tracheoesophageal Fistula (Post-Radiation for Tracheal SCC)▶ Watch on YouTube — age-restricted, cannot embed here

Imaging findings

CT shows significant soft tissue invading the mediastinum from a tracheal squamous cell carcinoma, with a stent in place. A clear communication is visible between the trachea and the esophagus, demonstrating extraluminal gas in the trachea communicating with the esophageal lumen. A complex pleural collection is also present.

Key takeaways

Tracheoesophageal fistula is a known complication of tracheal squamous cell carcinoma, particularly following radiation treatment. This case clearly demonstrates the communication between the airways and the esophagus, which can lead to aspiration and mediastinal or pleural infection.

AI-assisted summary — may contain errors. Verify against the source video. Learn more

More from this webinar

See all cases from August 28, 2015 →

Related Iatrogenic cases

Browse all Iatrogenic cases →