Fig. 11

Illustrations demonstrating alveolopleural fistula (a), bronchopleural fistula (b), and the rare oesophageal pleural fistula (c). An alveolopleural fistula is characterized by communication between the pulmonary parenchyma distal to a segmental bronchus and the pleural space. A bronchopleural fistula denotes communication between the larger central airways such as the bronchi and the pleural space. Oesophageal pleural fistula signifies communication of the oesophagus with the pleural cavity. These fistulous communications often result in recurrent, persistent pneumothoraces