Idiopathic esophagopleural fistula in the newborn. A review, with a case report.
Idiopathic rupture of the esophagus in the neonate is a rare event, probably related to the same mechanism of ischemic necrosis responsible for other "spontaneous" g.i. tract perforations in the newborn. The laceration is usually located on the right aspect of the distal esophagus and is complicated by esophagopleural fistula and hydropneumothorax. Plain chest film and esophagography are diagnostic. The condition is an emergency one and usually carries a bad prognosis without prompt surgical repair. A typical case is reported in a baby who survived without early surgery; a residual tiny blind pouch and a small hiatal hernia required surgery at 1 year of age.
D001238:Asphyxia Neonatorum / Q000150:complications; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004937:Esophageal Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000098:blood supply; D005402:Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007511:Ischemia / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous