Congenital Tracheoesophageal Fistula Presenting in an Asymptomatic Adult- A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital tracheoseophageal fistula (TEF) involve an abnormal pathological connection between the oesophagus and trachea. Congenital TEF presenting in adults is extremely rare and literature is limited to case series of significantly symptomatic patients. Case presentation: An asymptomatic 41 year-old gentleman presented to clinic, having been diagnosed with a congenital tracheoesophageal fistula 10 years ago on a routine oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) in Brazil. He underwent a barium contrast swallow revealing contrast in the left main bronchi and significant pooling in the upper trachea. A computerised tomography (CT) scan of the neck and thorax with contrast revealed a small fistula measuring 6mm in diameter between the trachea and the oesophagus at the level of the second thoracic vertebral body. A microlaryngobronchoscopy and examination under anaesthesia visualised a fistula measuring 1.8cm to 2cm superior to inferiorly and similar in transverse dimension, 6-7cm below the level of the glottis. Management and outcome: He opted to have surgical treatment to prevent symptoms developing in the future. A trans-cervical approach was performed, and the oesophageal defect and tracheal defect underwent primary closure with sutures. The oesophageal defect repair was oversewn with the sternohyoid. He recovered well post-operatively but due to the considerable rotation and retraction of the trachea, he suffered a vocal cord palsy. This is improving at the latest follow-up. Discussion: Otolaryngologist (ENT) surgeons need to be aware of asymptomatic adult patients presenting with congenital tracheoesophageal fistulas and the investigation and management options available.