Tracheo-oesophageal fistula in a case of button battery ingestion: CT virtual bronchoscopy imaging

Abstract

Foreign body ingestion in paediatric population is a very common problem. Usually the foreign bodies pass through the gastrointestinal tract without any complications; however, certain foreign bodies like button batteries might cause severe injuries like tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF), oesophago-aortic fistula, perforation and mediastinitis, vocal cord paralysis and stenosis after suspected perforation. In our case, an infant developed a TOF following ingestion of button battery which was diagnosed with the help of CT virtual bronchoscopy. It also contributed to the decision making regarding suitable operative techniques. Thus, CT virtual bronchoscopy can help in the diagnosis and detection of any complications due to foreign body ingestion with the added advantage of being non-invasive.