Abstract
Background
Communicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformation (CBPFM) is a rare congenital anomaly involving abnormal connections between respiratory tissue and the esophagus or stomach. This case report details a 15-month-old boy with CBPFM type II, presenting with cardiac dextroposition, an esophageal lung, and associated VACTERL (vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheo-oesophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb abnormalities) association.
Case presentation:
The patient's clinical history, prenatal screenings, and three hospitalizations were documented. Diagnostic tools included chest X-rays, upper GI contrast series, CT scans, echocardiography, bronchoscopy and esophagoscopy. Surgical intervention involved thoracotomy, lung resection, and fistula repair. Pathological examination and postoperative care were conducted, with outcome monitoring. The patient initially presented with recurrent respiratory distress and pneumonia. Imaging revealed severe right lung hypoplasia, cardiac dextroposition, and an esophageal bronchus. Surgical intervention identified a fistula between the esophagus and lung. Unfortunately, postoperative complications, including Acinetobacter sepsis, led to the patient's demise four days after surgery.
Conclusions
CBPFM, a complex congenital anomaly, poses diagnostic challenges, often leading to delayed recognition. Early diagnosis is crucial, especially considering the potential for associated malformations. This case emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, including imaging modalities like CT scans and bronchoscopy, in achieving accurate diagnoses. Surgical intervention, although currently the primary treatment, may carry risks, and postoperative complications can impact outcomes.