title: Recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula after thoracoscopic repair: vanishing clips as a potential sign.
abstract: We present a case of a neonate who underwent surgery for esophageal atresia (EA) with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) with an unusual finding on postoperative chest radiographs. In retrospect, this was a clue to a recurrent TEF: disappearance of the surgical clips from the site of surgical repair. Knowledge of this radiographic finding could aid in the diagnosis of a recurrent fistula in patients with previous repair of EA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, 6621 Fannin St., MC-CC470.01, Houston, TX 77030, USA. alanschlesinger@mac.com
authors.forename: Alan E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Schlesinger
authors.forename: Mark V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Mazziotti
authors.forename: Christopher I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Cassady
authors.forename: Ashwin P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Pimpalwar
mesh_terms: D001999:Bronchoscopy / Q000379:methods; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004933:Esophageal Atresia / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012008:Recurrence; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013906:Thoracoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014138:Tracheoesophageal Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery