ESOPHAGOPERICARDIAL FISTULA ARISING FROM BARRETTS-ESOPHAGUS

Esophagopericardial fistula is a rare complication of numerous benign, malignant, and traumatic conditions of the esophagus, Approximately 1 00 cases of fistulae between the esophagus and heart have been reporte d. We describe the second reported case of an esophagopericardial fist ula secondary to a benign esophageal ulcer within Barrett's mucosa wit hout prior surgery. The radiologic, endoscopic, and surgical managemen t of this case are discussed. (C) 1998 by Am. Cell. of Gastroenterolog y.