Tracheal atresia, proximal esophageal atresia, and distal tracheoesophageal fistula: report of two cases and review of literature.

Two cases with unusual primitive foregut anomalies are described. Both children, born within 24 hours of each other, had complete tracheal atresia, proximal esophageal atresia, and distal tracheoesophageal fistula along with some minor anomalies; both needed immediate tracheostomy for adequate ventilation. At 15 months of age, both patients are thriving and developing normally with the exception of their speech. A review of the literature revealed no other survivors with this condition. Diagnosis of tracheal atresia should be kept in mind when a newborn infant exhibits respiratory distress without an audible cry associated with failure to advance the endotracheal tube beyond the vocal cords. An immediate tracheostomy can be lifesaving in these children.