Prolonged Intubation Induced Tracheoesophageal Fistula in Suspected Meningococcal Sepsis with ARDS: A Case Report

Tracheoesophageal fistula is an abnormal communication between trachea and esophagus. Benign acquired types are rare with the incidence of less than 1%. Prolonged endotracheal intubation remains the most common cause. We are reporting a 28 years old female patient presented with chief complaint of a cough after each meal intake in the outpatient clinic. She had a recent history of admission in the intensive care unit with prolonged intubation (11 days). Her general physical examination, laboratory examination, and chest x-ray were normal. Esophagogastroscopy was performed and revealed communication between upper esophagus and trachea approximately at 14–17cm embedded in longitudinal mucosal folds of the esophagus. She was referred to the higher center for surgical repair. Though, a rare complication, high suspicion is necessary to accurately diagnose the disease in a patient with the history of prolonged intubation.