H-type tracheoesophageal fistula in an extremely low birth weight premature neonate: appearance on magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Many diagnostic methods have been used to establish the diagnosis for a suspected H-type tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). In case of a strong assumption of an H-type fistula, besides all standard diagnostic work-up tools a more aggressive combined approach is advisable. However, in a critically ill premature infant, conventional invasive investigations could not be performed as being potentially hazardous and not always easy to achieve. We describe the unique imaging features of an H-type TEF on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our case demonstrates that MR images could be used for diagnosis, and localization of an H-type TEF could be detected safely and accurately in a sick preterm infant.