An Unusual Case of an Acquired Esophageal-pulmonary Fistula Caused by Hodgkin Lymphoma

Bronchoesophageal and tracheoesophageal fistulas are an uncommon but well-documented complication of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). To our knowledge, a fistula directly connecting the esophagus with the lung (esophageal-pulmonary fistula) and resulting from HL has not been reported in the literature. We present a case of HL complicated with an esophageal-pulmonary fistula. The early recognition and treatment of an esophageal-pulmonary fistula in patients with HL are imperative since, with appropriate treatment, HL complicated with an aero-esophageal fistula has the same prognosis as those without one, unlike the dismal prognosis in esophageal and lung cancer. Endoscopic esophageal stenting followed by chemotherapy is the preferred treatment approach. This leads to the healing of the fistula and the prolongation of patient survival.