Esophageal-pericardial fistula with purulent pericarditis secondary to esophageal carcinoma presenting with tamponade

A case of esophago-pericardial fistula secondary to esophageal carcinoma causing pericardial effusion and tamponade is presented. Palliation can be achieved effectively by limited thoracotomy, pericardial resection and drainage, and in selected cases esophageal stenting.