ABSTRACT
Repeated bronchopneumopathies are the principal manifestation of congenital esophagotracheal fistulae detected at a late stage. Diagnosis is suggested by air distention of the esophagus on the thoracic image. Esophageal barium swallow examination in the standing position is usually negative: esophageal transit is too rapid, the diameter of the fistula is too small, and its ascending pathway does not allow filling by the contrast medium. Examinations should be conducted in precubitus, after the passage of an esophageal sound, employing barium sulphate as the contrast medium, and with a horizontal beam and profile projection. Kinetic exploration, employing ampliphotography is necessary. The fistula pathway is seen as a thin opaque line, oblique from above forwards, and pushing from the anterior surface of the esophagus to the posterior surface of the trachea. There is associated filling of the tracheobronchial tract.