what is a bronchopleural fistula
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. A bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a fistula between the pleural space and the lung. It can develop following pneumonectomy, post traumatically, or with certain types of infection. It may also develop when large airways are in communication with the pleural space following a large pneumothorax or other loss of pleural negative pressure, especially during positive pressure mechanical ventilation. On imaging, the diagnosis is suspected indirectly on radiograph.