Gastro-pleuro-pericardial fistula following combined radiation and chemotherapy for lung metastases from renal cell carcinoma: report of a case

Gastropleural and gastropericardial fistulas are abnormal communications between the stomach and the pleural cavity or pericardium. They are rare and lifethreatening complications, which require prompt surgical intervention. We report the case of a gastro-pleuro-pericardial fistula that developed in a patient treated with radiotherapy and then Sunitinib (Sutent), a novel tyrosine- kinase inhibitor, for lung metastases from renal cell carcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a gastro-pleuro-pericardial fistula developing as a consequence of combined radiation and chemotherapy.