H-type tracheoesophageal fistula in a child with dysmorphism: vater or not?

ABSTRACT

Tracheo-Esophageal fistula [TEF] with or without esophageal atresia occurs in approximately 1 in 3500 births. In around half of the cases there are associated anomalies while esophageal atresia/TEF occurs in isolation in the remainder. Congenital H-type tracheoesophageal fistula [TEF] in adults is a rare presentation and can test the diagnostic acumen of a surgeon, endoscopist, and the radiologist. These undetected fistulas may present as chronic lung disease of unknown origin because repeated aspirations can lead to recurrent lung infections and bronchiectasis. Congenital TEFs should be considered in the diagnosis of infants and young adults with recurrent respiratory distress and/or infections. Here, we present the successful management of this rare case in an adult patient. Congenital H-type TEF in children is a rare presentation and search revealed no such case reported in local literature. Here, we present the diagnosis and successful management of a child with congenital H-type TEF with vertebral and limb defects