INTRAMURAL TRACHEOBRONCHIAL REMNANTS: A MISDIAGNOSED CAUSE OF CONGENITAL ESOPHAGEAL STENOSIS

In cases of congenital esophageal stenosis due to tracheobronchial remnants, symptoms of partial esophageal obstruction appear at the time of weaning or during early childhood. In the absence of esophagitis, esophagram combined with cinefluoroscopy demonstrates fixed stenosis of distal esophagus and appears to be diagnostic. Dilatation of rigid stenosis is invariably unrewarding and surgical resection is mandatory. Pathologically, the presence of cartilage or respiratory seromucinous glands in the esophageal wall are pathognomonic features. Other congenital anomalies may be encountered in some cases (30%).