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A "Catlike Cry" as a Symptom of Congenital Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Seshiru Nakazawa1, Toshiki Yajima2, Kazuki Numajiri1

  • 1Department of General Surgical Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan.

Chest
|May 8, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Congenital tracheoesophageal fistula can be subtle, sometimes missed until adulthood. A unique "catlike cry" sound during swallowing may indicate this rare condition, prompting earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Medicine
  • Pediatrics
  • Surgical Innovation

Background:

  • Congenital tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is often diagnosed in infancy.
  • Undetected TEF in adults may present with subtle or atypical symptoms.
  • Early recognition is crucial for effective management and preventing complications.

Observation:

  • A patient with an undiagnosed congenital tracheoesophageal fistula presented with a unique high-pitched,
  • catlike cry
  • sound during fluid intake.
  • This sound was attributed to air movement between the trachea and esophagus via the fistula.
  • Ono's sign (coughing during swallowing) is a known symptom, but this
  • catlike cry
  • is a novel observation.

Findings:

  • The
  • catlike cry
  • sound directly correlated with the presence of the tracheoesophageal fistula.
  • Surgical closure of the fistula resulted in the complete cessation of the
  • catlike cry
  • .

Implications:

  • The
  • catlike cry
  • sound represents a previously undocumented, yet significant, symptom of congenital tracheoesophageal fistula.
  • This finding can aid clinicians in suspecting TEF in patients with unexplained respiratory or feeding-related symptoms.
  • Highlighting this sign can improve diagnostic accuracy and timeliness for TEF, especially in atypical adult presentations.

Keywords:
congenitalsymptomtracheoesophageal fistula

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