In the case of carcinoma of the esophagus here reported, the observation of Vinson was the only finding which demonstrated the presence of a tracheo-esophageal fistula. Vinson1 has noted that in cases of carcinoma of the esophagus which have perforated into the trachea or bronchus, a swallowed thread would find its way through the fistula and keep twisting itself around the tracheo-esophageal wall by successively passing through the esophagus after emerging from the larynx (fig. 1).
REPORT OF CASE
A man, aged 68, was referred to me by his family physician in October, 1925. His chief complaint was difficulty in swallowing, which he first noticed six months previously. Until one week before examination, he was able to eat semisolid food; since then he had sustained himself with liquids. He had lost from 10 to 15 pounds (from 4.5 to 6.8 Kg.) in weight during the last