[Bronchoesophageal fistula secondary to mediastinal lymph node tuberculosis: a case report and review of the literature].

Objective: To analyze the clinical features of 1 case of bronchoesophageal fistula (BEF) secondary to mediastinal lymph node tuberculosis.

Methods: The clinical, auxiliary examinational and pathological data of 1 case with BEF were presented, and the literatures were reviewed.

Results: The patient was a 19 year old female, who was admitted to hospital because of fever and cough associated with liquid intake. It was diagnosed by chest CT scan, endobronchial ultrasound biopsy of mediastinal lymph nodes, and clinical testing (methylene blue). The BEF was closed after anti-tuberculosis therapy and preventing contamination of the fistula by indwelling stomach tube.

Conclusions: Bronchoesophageal fistula secondary to mediastinal lymph node tuberculosis is rare. Chest CT scan, fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and clinical testing (methylene blue) are useful diagnostic tools for BEF.