Congenital oesophageal strictures due to cartilaginous rings

Two cases of distal oesophageal stricture secondary to tracheo-bronchial remnants containing cartilage are presented. The clinical histories and radiographic appearances of these lesions are discussed as is the postulated embryogenesis. A characteristic finding, when present, is the linear collection of barium projecting horizontally from the area of stricture, representing respiratory epithelial ducts.