Laryngotracheoesophageal cleft, a rare differential diagnosis of esophageal atresia

Abstract

A laryngotracheoesophageal cleft, commonly called laryngeal cleft (LC), is a congenital malformation of the posterior part of the larynx creating an abnormal communication between the laryngotracheal axis and the pharyngoesophageal axis. The prenatal ultrasonographic features associating absent stomach, polyhydramnios and mediastinal "pouch sign" are usually considered pathognomonic for esophageal atresia. This observation demonstrates that they can also correspond to a severe form of laryngotracheoesophageal cleft extending to the carina.

Keywords: Esophageal atresia; Laryngotracheoesophageal cleft; Polyhydramnios; Pouch sign; Prenatal diagnosis.