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Three cases of esophagitis caused by oral medication are reported: 2 were the result of prolonged use of quinidine tablets (producing focal subacute inflammation mimicking carcinoma in one and stricture in the other) and one occurred soon after ingestion of liquid KCl. Previous reports have implicated KCl tablets ("slow KCl"), tetracycline and doxycycline capsules, and ferrous sulfate tablets. The factors predisposing to this uncommon complication of oral medication are discussed. In all reported cases caused by KCl tablets, left atrial enlargement was present as the result of mitral stenosis.

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Seven patients with iatrogenic esophageal-pleural fistulas are described, and the differences in radiographic and physical findings in these patients and in patients with esophageal perforation with mediastinitis are emphasized. Radiographic findings in patients with esophageal pleural fistulas are pneumothorax, hydropneumothorax and localized pneumonitis. These fistulas can mimic other inflammatory supradiaphragmatic or infradiaphragmatic processes. Clinical and radiographic signs may be subtle, and active investigation is needed to establish the diagnosis of esophageal-pleural fistula in patients who have undergone esophageal manipulation.

Penetration of the spleen by a benign gastric ulcer is rare, but when it occurs there is a high probability of hemorrhage. To our knowledge, there have been no reports of the preoperative diagnosis of this entity. We encountered two cases which, in retrospect, could have been predicted from abdominal computed tomographic (CT) findings. Familiarity with this entity and with its appearance on CT may allow prospective detection and aggressive treatment before life-threatening complications develop.