Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 26, 2025

Transuterine Fetal Tracheal Occlusion Model in Mice
06:31

Transuterine Fetal Tracheal Occlusion Model in Mice

Published on: February 5, 2021

3.3K

Vascular and pulmonary comorbidities in children with congenital EA/TEF

Thomas S Poore1,2, Jason P Weinman2,3, Elyse Handley4

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|December 10, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography (CTA) reveal frequent vascular abnormalities and tracheal compression in patients with esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF). These findings aid in managing persistent respiratory symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric radiology
  • Thoracic imaging
  • Congenital anomalies

Background:

  • Esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) is often associated with congenital and vascular malformations.
  • Limited studies have utilized computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography (CTA) to investigate these associations.
  • This study reviews CT findings in patients with EA/TEF to identify pulmonary and vascular abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review CT scans of the chest in patients diagnosed with EA/TEF.
  • To report pulmonary and vascular findings associated with EA/TEF.
  • To assess the utility of CT and CTA in evaluating airway mechanics and comorbidities.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with EA/TEF.
  • Analysis of the most recent chest CT or CTA results.
  • Recording of demographics, medical conditions, bronchoscopy findings, and measurement of tracheal lumen area ratio on CTA.

Main Results:

  • 47 patients with EA/TEF had available chest CT scans.
  • Bronchiectasis was present in 8% of patients.
  • Vascular abnormalities were identified in 58% of contrast CT scans, and 62% demonstrated tracheal compression.
  • Tracheomalacia was evaluated using expiratory:inspiratory tracheal area ratio (mean 0.57).

Conclusions:

  • Patients with EA/TEF frequently exhibit vascular abnormalities impacting airway mechanics and pulmonary comorbidities.
  • CT angiography should be considered as an adjunct to bronchoscopy for persistent respiratory symptoms.
  • These imaging findings are crucial for optimizing medical and surgical management in children with EA/TEF.
Abstract

Keywords:
bronchoscopypulmonary Imagingtracheoesophageal fistulatracheomalacia

More Related Videos

An Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Designed to Minimize Anastomotic Complications and Optimize Conduit Function09:40

An Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Designed to Minimize Anastomotic Complications and Optimize Conduit Function

Published on: April 17, 2020

14.4K
Catheter-based Endovascular Angioplasty for Fibrosing Mediastinitis-associated Pulmonary Vein Stenosis06:59

Catheter-based Endovascular Angioplasty for Fibrosing Mediastinitis-associated Pulmonary Vein Stenosis

Published on: August 26, 2025

208

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
259
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
269
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management01:28

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
247
Trachea01:22

Trachea

The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a vital part of the human respiratory system. It serves as a passageway for air to travel between the larynx and the bronchi, allowing oxygen to reach the lungs. Let's explore its anatomical features, dimensions, layers of the tracheal wall, associated muscles, and the functions of its parts.
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of...
3.8K
Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction01:24

Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction

Esophageal varices are dilated, tortuous veins which are found mainly in the submucosa of the lower esophagus but which may also appear higher up or extend into the stomach. They develop due to increased pressure in the portal venous system, often as a result of liver cirrhosis. This condition scars and damages the liver, impeding normal blood flow through the portal vein. To compensate, blood seeks alternative pathways, forming fragile new vessels (varices) in the esophagus and stomach. These...
779
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction01:22

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction

Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus....
264