[Congenital tracheoesophageal fistula in a 15-year-old male]

We report a case of a 15-years-old boy with presumably congenital tracheoesophageal (H type) fistula. He has a history of recurrent bronchitis, bronchopneumonia and cough after liquid swallowing. Soon after an episode of blood stained sputum, a tracheal orifice in the pars membranacea that opened into the esophagus was found by fiberoptic bronchoscopy study. Chest and abdominal X-rays showed esophageal air and abdominal distention, respectively. The esophagram showed the passage of contrast agent to the tracheobronchial tree and no additional concurrent lesions. Cervical and thoracic magnetic resonance images revealed the location, morphology and anatomical relation to the neighbouring structures of the tracheoesophageal fistula, which was repaired surgically by left lateral cervicotomy and direct section and suture. The posterior wall of the trachea was reinforced with a muscle flap, with good results.