The diagnosis of congenital tracheoesophageal fistula.

Congenital tracheoesophageal fistula presents with clinical features of variable types and severity, including choking, coughing, and cyanosis with feeds, pneumonia, and abdominal distension. The rarity of the condition, its nonspecific symptomatology, and limitations in its demonstration by contrast radiology and endoscopy contribute to delays between first presentation and confirmation of the diagnosis. Recognition of symptom complexes and a high index of clinical suspicion should assist early diagnosis. In our experience with 30 infants with "H" fistula, an initial barium swallow demonstrated the fistula in 73%, and in all patients by the third attempt. Refinements in technique have shown contrast radiology to be satisfactory and safe in the initial investigation of infants with suspected congenital tracheoesophageal fistula and enables differentiation from other causes of aspiration.