Pneumopericardium occurring as a complication of achalasia.

Esophagopericardial fistula is a rare complication of benign esophageal disease. It has not previously been described occurring in achalasia. The authors present such a case. This cause should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pneumopericardium in patients with achalasia. Early diagnosis is stressed and esophagoscopic examination should be performed if the result of barium swallow test is negative.