H-type congenital tracheoesophageal fistula

Isolated Tracheal Oesophageal Congenital Fistula: A Case Report

Esotracheal fistula is a rare malformation represented by a thin ascending channel between the esophagus and the posterior surface of the trachea. Diagnosis is sometimes difficult due to the atypical character of the symptomatology. Diagnosis is made by a gastro-duodenal oesophageal transit (TOGD) and the treatment is surgical. We report a case of isolated congenital esotracheal fistula collected in the pediatric visceral and urogenital surgery department at the Mohammed VI University Hospital Center in Oujda, Morocco, previously not discovered, and its surgical treatment as well as an updated literature review of this entity.

H-type congenital tracheo-oesophageal fistula associated with oesophageal stenosis: anatomical variant

The goal of this paper was to report a new variant of oesophageal atresia: an H-type congenital tracheo-oesophageal fistula associated with oesophageal segmental stenosis distal to the fistula. Although symptoms were present from birth, we did not differentiate the new anatomical variant preoperatively. The patient was treated by fistula ligation, segmental resection of the distal oesophagus and end-to-end anastomosis of the oesophagus by thoracoscopic surgery. Here we describe the clinical history and management of the newborn infant, together with diagnostic recommendations to prevent misdiagnosis in the management of this condition.

A rare case of congenital bronchoesophageal fistula in an adult

INTRODUCTION

When congenital bronchoesophageal fistulas exist without atresia of the esophagus, the diagnosis can be delayed, although symptoms may occur early following fistula development. Therefore, while they are usually found in infants, they can be extremely rarely found in adults. We herein report a rare case of bronchoesophageal fistula without atresia in an adult.

CASE

An 69-year-old male presented to the outpatient clinic with a decades-long history of cough with expectoration immediately after taking food, especially liquids. Computed tomograph, esophagoscopy, and esophagography revealed the fistulous communication between the mid-esophagus and right lower lobe bronchus, with consolidation in the right lower lobe. We performed right lower lobectomy with the closure and excision of the fistula. The histopathology of the fistula revealed the mucosa to be lined by stratified squamous epithelium. There was no evidence of inflammation, granuloma, or carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, despite the benign nature of this malformation, if left untreated, it can cause long-term debilitating respiratory symptoms associated with the fistula. Therefore, the diagnosis should be considered in the evaluation of recurrent lung infection.

Late presentation of congenital H-type tracheoesophageal fistula in an immunocompromised patient

Congenital tracheoesophageal fistulas without esophageal atresia - H-type tracheoesophageal fistula - accounts for approximately 4% of esophageal malformations. This term refers to a connection at an oblique course between the posterior wall of the trachea and the anterior wall of the esophagus, presenting as an 'H' form. Typically, the diagnosis is made before the third year of life; however, some reports have been made of late presentation in adults who present chronic cough and frequent respiratory infections. Traditionally, surgery has been considered as the best treatment, depending on the level of the fistula. We present the case of an immunocompromised patient who was diagnosed as having a congenital tracheoesophageal fistula of the upper third of the trachea.

Achalasia-like findings in a case with delayed diagnosis of H-type tracheoesophageal fistula

H-type tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) may lead to chronic respiratory disease if the diagnosis is delayed. Long-standing fistula causes esophageal distention which is named as pneumoesophagus or megaesophagus and possibly affects the motility of the esophageal body which may also be encountered as a part of tracheoesophageal anomalies. Both dysmotility and megaesophagus may mimic achalasia radiologically and the patient may be advised an unnecessary esophagocardiomyotomy. The authors report a 15-year-old adolescent with H-type TEF who has been diagnosed during investigations for chronic respiratory disease due to presumptive diagnosis of achalasia. The authors emphasize that a complete anatomical and functional evaluation of the upper gastrointestinal tract should be done before recommending operation for achalasia in patients with chronic respiratory disease. H-type TEF should be investigated to avoid unnecessary cardiomyotomy.