A CASE OF SPONTANEOUS PERFORATION OF THE ESOPHAGEAL DIVERTICULUM

A case of spontaneous perforation of the esophageal diverticulum with an esophagopleural fistula is reported. A 64-year-old male was referred to our hospital with the comlaints of chest pain and dyspnea. A Gastrograffin study showed a perforation of the lower esophagus into the left thoracic cavity. Conservative treatment was started, however, the purulent discharge was continued. Fourty six days after the onset of pain, the distal portion of esophagus containing the perforated diverticulum was resected. There are only four reports in Japan about the perforation of the esophageal diverticulum with the esophagopleural fistula which was reparied by operative intervention.