Tracheoesophageal fistula: a serious complication of infectious esophagitis.

Infections of the esophagus are common in individuals with altered immune status. A review of the literature reveals that, in such patients, fungal organisms, particularly Candida and Aspergillus, can invade deeply into esophageal muscle. We report the development of a tracheoesophageal fistula following polymicrobial infectious esophagitis. This case, of a young woman with leukemia, emphasizes the need for early recognition and aggressive treatment of esophageal infections.