pediatrics
Esophageal Atresia
Key Points
There are 5 types of esophageal atresia; all but one also involve a tracheoesophageal fistula. Sometimes diagnosis is suspected based on prenatal ultrasonography. Clinical manifestations include excessive secretions, coughing, and cyanosis after attempts at feeding, and aspiration pneumonia; an H-type fistula usually presents later in life and is suspected because of aspiration pneumonia. Diagnose by passing a nasogastric or an orogastric tube and x-ray. Treat with surgical repair and acid-suppressive therapy. 