Chap 14: Clinical Correlates

Tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEFs)

Abnormalities in partitioning of the esophagus and trachea by the tracheoesophageal septum result in esophageal atresia with or without these structures.

1 in 3,000 births

Tracheoesophageal defects occur in approximately this frequency of births.

4% of cases each

Isolated esophageal atresia without TEF and H-type TEF without esophageal atresia each account for this percentage of cases.

VACTERL association

Approximately 33% of TEF cases are associated with this acronym/collection of defects, which includes Vertebral anomalies, Anal atresia, Cardiac defects, Tracheoesophageal fistula, Esophageal atresia, Renal anomalies, and Limb defects.

Polyhydramnios

This complication occurs in some types of TEF because amniotic fluid cannot pass to the stomach and intestines.

Pneumonitis and pneumonia

Gastric contents and/or amniotic fluid entering the trachea through a fistula can cause these pulmonary complications at birth.

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) / Hyaline membrane disease

When surfactant is insufficient, high air-water surface tension causes alveoli to collapse during expiration, developing into this condition.

20% of deaths among newborns

RDS accounts for approximately this percentage of deaths among newborns.

Glucocorticoids

Treatment of premature infants with RDS includes artificial surfactant as well as treatment of mothers with this medication to stimulate surfactant production.

Abnormal divisions of the bronchial tree / Supernumerary lobes

These abnormal divisions of the bronchial tree are common and usually result in supernumerary lobules with little functional significance.

Ectopic lung lobes

These structures arise from the trachea or esophagus and are believed to develop from additional respiratory buds of the foregut that develop independently.

Congenital cysts of the lung

These clinically important structures are formed by dilation of terminal or larger bronchi, giving the lung a honeycomb appearance on radiograph.

Chronic infections

Congenital cysts of the lung drain poorly and frequently cause this health issue.