[Gastropleural fistula due to perforated gastric ulcer].

A 65-year-old woman, who had been taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), prednisolone and methotrexate for rheumatiod arthritis, was admitted to our hospital with a sudden onset of left-back and chest pain and breathlessness. A chest radiograph and computed tomography revealed a left-side pneumothorax and pleural effusion. Chest tube was inserted for drainage and the fluid was formed to contain food residuum. Contrast radiography demonstrated escape of soluble contrast medium into the left pleural space. A thoracotomy and transdiaphragmatic revealed a gastropleural fistula. It was repaired and the gastric origin was resected. Pathologic evaluation revealed evidence of chronic peptic ulceration, but no malignant change. Gastropleural fistula due to peptic ulcer without esophageal herniation, malignancy, or traumatic injury is extremely unusual. The cause of the focal adhesion of the gastric ulcer and diaphragm, fistula formation was not certain but was probably related to the ingestion of NSAIDs in combination with prednisolone and other immunosuppressive agents. Although gastropleural fistula is rare, the prognosis in such patients related to early diagnosis and surgical intervention, emphasizing the importance of including this condition when making a differential diagnosis.