Chest x-ray in a neonate shows a nasogastric tube in an uppe | Figure 1

CincyKidsRad

Cincinnati Children's Radiology

Chest x-ray in a neonate shows a nasogastric tube in an upper esophageal pouch. The nasogastric tube could not be advanced beyond this point. There is no air within the stomach or loops of bowel. These findings suggest that there is either isolated esophageal atresia without tracheoesophageal fistula or, if there is a tracheoesophageal fistula, it must be with the distal esophagus. #ThoraxThursday

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Fluoroscopic image obtained during endoscopy shows a tracheoesophageal fistula. Contrast is injected into the esophagus. It is then seen filling the tracheobronchial tree. Acquired tracheoesophageal fistulas can be a result of caustic ingestion, impacted esophageal button batteries, trauma, and surgery. #ThoraxThursday](https://app.figure1.com/case-detail/21acd855-db92-4644-9c2e-46997b4f9901)

Chest x-ray in a #newborn shows coiling of the enteric tube (arrow) in a proximal esophageal pouch characteristic of esophageal atresia. In this case, the presence of air in the stomach tells us that there MUST be a tracheoesophageal fistula connecting to the distal #esophagus. A distal #fistula is the most common type of fistula accounting for 80-85% of cases. #ThoraxThursday](https://app.figure1.com/case-detail/2c7ec4a5-62b6-4abf-9c31-b695cf1b658f)

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