Application of sagittal CT scanning in congenital esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula in neonates

Objective To evaluate sagittal CT scanning in congenital esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (CEA-TEF) in neonates. Methods Direct sagittal CT scanning was performed in 5 neonates with CEA-TEF confirmed by operation. On sagittal CT imaging, the distance between two esophageal pouches were measured, and the presence or absence of tracheoesophageal fistula was determined. The imaging findings was correlated with the surgical findings. Results Sagittal CT images were obtained satisfactorily in all cases. The esophageal pouches and the tracheoesophageal fistula were displayed clearly. According to Gross classification, 1 case was included in type IIIA, and 4 cases in type IIIB. The distance between two esophageal pouches ranged from 0.8 cm to 2.1 cm. The results agreed with the surgical findings. Conclusion Sagittal spiral CT, which employs a limited scanning range and a low radiation dose, and provides fairly accurate information on the tracheoesophageal fistula and the interpouch distance, could be an important examination for CEA-TEF in neonates.