Esophageal lung: A rare type of communicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformation, case report with review of literature

Abstract

A 2-year-old female child was referred from a private hospital as a case of recurrent lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI). The chest X ray revealed a hypoplastic right lung and further workup led to the diagnosis of esophageal lung - a rare type of communicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformation. A right posterolateral thoracotomy was done, anamolous bronchial communication with esophagus disrupted, esophageal fistula repaired and the lung resected. Postoperatively, diet was allowed from day 7. The patient tolerated the diet well. Repeat dye study revealed no leak and subsequently the patient was discharged on day 10.

Keywords

• Communicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformations
• esophageal lung
• esophageal bronchus
• hypoplastic lung
• pulmonary sequestration