Congenital tracheo-esophageal fistula without atresia of the esophagus is a rare anomaly. Twenty-six patients are reported in the literature. The authors report an additional case. The etiology is still obscure, but may be due to the development of aberrant blood vessels.
Patients present a triad of signs and symptoms, coughing and cyanosis with feedings, abnormal distention of gastro-intestinal tract and persistent pneumonitis.
Radiographic investigation is most important. Lipiodol study of the esophagus in the oblique or prone position is the most rewarding diagnostic test.
Surgery is the only method of cure.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.