Oesophageal pleural fistula in a patient with Crohn's disease Oesophageal pleural fistula in a patient with Crohn's disease. a) A small left empyema, b) treated with small-bore chest drain; subsequent cultures grew mixed Gram-negative bacteria and yeast. c) Subsequent barium swallow demonstrates leak of contrast into ... Oesophageal pleural fistula in a patient with Crohn's disease. a) A small left empyema, b) treated with small-bore chest drain; subsequent cultures grew mixed Gram-negative bacteria and yeast. c) Subsequent barium swallow demonstrates leak of contrast into left pleural space (arrow). F.J.H. Brims et al. Eur Respir Rev 2010;19:220-228 ©2010 by European Respiratory Society