Laryngotracheoesophageal cleft.
Laryngotracheosophageal (LTE) cleft is a rare congenital anomaly which results from failure of cephalad advancement of the tracheoesophageal septum and fusion of cricoid cartilage. Four cases of LTE cleft from Children's Hospital are reported. Most of them presented with aspiration after feedings that mimic T-E fistula. Three cases had other associated anomalies. Non-ionic water soluble esophagography showed proximal leakage of contrast media at cricopharyngeal region. The definitive diagnosis was made by direct laryngoscopy. Three cases died from their complications in spite of surgical repair. So, LTE cleft should be considered as one of the causes of aspiration in the newborn.
Chaloryoo
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Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Children's Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.
D001999:Bronchoscopy; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005402:Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D007830:Larynx / Q000002:abnormalities*; D008297:Male; D014138:Tracheoesophageal Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery