H-type tracheoesophageal fistula in an extremely low birth weight premature neonate: appearance on magnetic resonance imaging

J Perinatol. 2009 May;29(5):393-5. doi: 10.1038/jp.2008.198.

Abstract

Many diagnostic methods have been used to establish the diagnosis for a suspected H-type tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). In case of a strong assumption of an H-type fistula, besides all standard diagnostic work-up tools a more aggressive combined approach is advisable. However, in a critically ill premature infant, conventional invasive investigations could not be performed as being potentially hazardous and not always easy to achieve. We describe the unique imaging features of an H-type TEF on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our case demonstrates that MR images could be used for diagnosis, and localization of an H-type TEF could be detected safely and accurately in a sick preterm infant.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Disease Progression
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Infant, Very Low Birth Weight*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / physiopathology
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Sepsis / diagnosis*
  • Sepsis / therapy
  • Tracheoesophageal Fistula / congenital
  • Tracheoesophageal Fistula / pathology*
  • Tracheoesophageal Fistula / surgery*