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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Transuterine Fetal Tracheal Occlusion Model in Mice
Published on: February 5, 2021
Late presentation of congenital tracheo-oesophageal fistula
F E Fahmy1, J M Lancer, A Ahmed
1Department of Otolaryngology, Rotherham District General Hospital, Moorgate Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S60 2UD, UK.
Insights
Congenital tracheo-oesophageal fistula is rare in adults. Early diagnosis and surgical resection of this condition can fully resolve persistent respiratory symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Otolaryngology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Congenital tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) is a rare condition, particularly when presenting in adulthood.
- Persistent infant respiratory issues can sometimes be undiagnosed congenital malformations.
Observation:
- A patient with a history of recurrent infant chest problems presented with a persistent cough.
- Initial misdiagnosis as occupational lung disease ('baker's lung') delayed definitive diagnosis.
- Upper endoscopy revealed a congenital tracheo-oesophageal fistula.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of the congenital tracheo-oesophageal fistula was performed.
- Complete resolution of the patient's long-standing respiratory symptoms was achieved post-surgery.
Implications:
- Persistent cough and unresolved chest problems in adults warrant investigation for rare congenital anomalies like TOF.
- Timely diagnosis and surgical intervention can lead to complete symptom resolution.
Abstract:
Congenital tracheo-oesophageal fistula presenting in adulthood is extremely rare. Such a case is presented in a patient who suffered repeated chest problems as an infant, which persisted through the years, and was ultimately diagnosed as 'bakers lung' due to his occupation. He was referred with persistent cough to the ENT department, and an upper endoscopy located a tracheo-oesophageal fistula, which was subsequently resected with complete resolution of his symptoms. Unresolving chest problems or persisting cough should alert the doctor to such a possible diagnosis.
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