Acquired tracheo-oesophageal fistula in a child with unrecognised tracheal foreign body

Abstract

We report the case of a 6-month-old girl who presented with recurrent pneumonia and growth failure. After full examination, she was diagnosed with long-standing, unrecognised tracheal foreign body, which was then successfully removed. However, her chronic respiratory symptoms did not improve, and she also had feeding intolerance. The persistence of symptoms indicated a second bronchoscopy and finally an acquired tracheo-oesophageal fistula was diagnosed. This case emphasises the challenges in diagnosis of an inhaled foreign body in young children. Late diagnosis of this condition can cause significant morbidities. A high index of suspicion and careful investigation are very important to prevent long-term complications.

Keywords: general practice / family medicine; paediatric intensive care; pneumonia (respiratory medicine); primary care.