Tracheoesophageal Fistula: A Fatal Complication of Endotracheal Intubation / 대한신경손상학회지

ABSTRACT

Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a rare disease which develops as a result of congenital or acquired causes. We report on two TEF female stroke patients with associated endotracheal intubation. Endotracheal intubation was kept for 13-14 days because of decreased mentality by intracranial hemorrhage. Recurrent pneumonia was a predominant symptom. Computed tomography and bronchoscopy were used to diagnose TEF. Both patients expired by sepsis and recurrent pneumonia before definite TEF treatment. The excessive dilatation of the cuff balloon of the endotracheal tube was considered one of the main causes of TEF. Prevention is most important and early treatment is required in this fatal disease.