[Traumatic pseudodiverticulum of the esophagus. Description of a case in a preterm newborn infant]

Abstract

A case of traumatic oesophageal pseudodiverticulum in a VLBW preterm infant is reported. Both clinical and radiological findings were suggestive for oesophageal atresia. A medical therapeutic approach, including the use of wide spectrum antibiotics and a regimen of total parenteral nutrition, was initially chosen for her highly premature status and bad clinical conditions (RDS). Nineteen days after birth the passage of orogastric tubes led to a second esophagography that showed a normally canalized oesophagus. The importance of considering the traumatic perforation among the causes of oesophageal obstruction in the neonatal period is stressed along with the safety and effectiveness of its simply medical management.