title: Perforation of the pharynx in the newborn: a condition mimicking esophageal atresia.
abstract: Three cases of perforation of the pharynx in the newborn are presented. This condition resembles esophageal atresia, in that: (a) the symptoms are identical; (b) in both conditions there is failure to pass a nasogastric tube; (c) opacification of the esophagus through a nasogastric tube gives x-ray pictures confusingly similar. Careful examination of the radiographs can differentiate the two conditions. Although the three patients presented were operated on, conservative treatment is probably adequate for this condition.
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004322:Drainage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004933:Esophageal Atresia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D010614:Pharynx / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D011247:Pregnancy; D011859:Radiography