DiGeorge Syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by either absence or hypoplasia of the thymus and the parathyroid glands. Patients with this syndrome also have a high incidence of cardiovascular malformations and facial dysmorphism. Structural airway anomalies have also been described, albeit infrequently. Tracheoesophageal fistula, short trachea with reduced numbers of tracheal rings, ab...

Introduction An acquired Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is commonly caused by a malignancy or trauma, with pulmonary infection or aspiration being the presenting symptom. However, in the critical care setting the presentation can be subtle and may present with difficult ventilation. High endotracheal tube cuff pressures can lead to tracheal erosions and thus increasing the chances for developi...

Hodgkin lymphoma is a highly curable cancer with modern therapy, with five-year survival rates in excess of 80%. However, the natural history of the untreated disease is largely unknown. We present the case of a patient with Hodgkin lymphoma who went untreated for over 5 years due to patient choice. Eventually, the patient developed hypoxemia, significant weight loss, and a tracheoesophageal fi...

An approach which promotes a rapid return to spontaneous respiration after tracheobronchial stent (TBS) insertion is considered the optimal one and is a belief shared by anaesthetists, respiratory physicians, and surgeons alike (Calvey and William (2008)). The value of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA), followed by use of the Monsoon 111 Acutronic jet ventilator pressure limiting system of ventil...

A majority of the cases of acquired tracheo-esophageal fistula (TEF) are a result of complication of malignancy. Acquired non-malignant TEFs result from a variety of causes. Among these causes, the most common is iatrogenic that results from prolonged tracheal intubation. Denture impaction of the esophagus resulting in the development of an acquired TEF is rare. Whatever be the cause, the diagn...