Figure 3
Tracheoesophageal fistula in an intubated patient in status asthmaticus (iatrogenic complication). (a) The chest x-ray shows an abnormal distension of the fundus of the stomach. (b) The overinflated balloon of the endotracheal tube is evident in the computerized tomography of the chest and upper abdomen. The lumen of the endotracheal tube is seen centrally. The nasogastric tube is slightly displaced on the left by the endotracheal balloon and indicates the position of the esophagus. (c) At lower level, the trachea has a normal configuration. The nasogastric tube is again seen, but the esophagus is dilated with air (tracheoesophageal fistula). (d) Extensive dilatation of the fundus of the stomach is seen. The nasogastric junction is indicated by the visualization of the nasogastric tube.