Preoperative Diagnosis of Congenital Esophageal Stenosis Caused by Tracheobronchial Remnants Using Miniprobe Endoscopic Ultrasonography in a Child

Congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) can be classified into three types based on the etiology of stenosis: tracheobronchial remnants (TBRs), fibromuscular hypertrophy (FMH), and membranous diaphragm (MD). It is important to make a differential diagnosis because the therapeutic plan for CES is determined by its etiology. Most cases of FMH and MD can be managed with balloon dilatation, whereas cases of TBRs require resection and anastomosis. Thus, the preoperative distinction of TBRs is critical. Recently miniprobe endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) with a maximum diameter of 2.5 mm has been useful for distinguishing TBRs from FMH in pediatric patients with CES. EUS shows hyperechoic lesions indicating TBR cartilage. Miniprobe EUS is recommended for choosing the correct therapeutic method for CES. We report a case of CES due to TBRs in which a preoperative diagnosis was made in a child using miniprobe EUS without any difficulties. (Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr 2012; 15: 52∼56)