Preliminary investigation of the diagnosis of neonatal congenital esophageal atresia using high-resolution ultrasonography: a report of three cases.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical value of high-resolution ultrasonography (US) in the diagnosis of neonatal congenital esophageal atresia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Longitudinal or oblique mediastinal and abdominal scans were performed using a high-frequency, linear array Philip IU22 probe of 5-13MHz to measure the length and diameter of the upper and lower esophageal pouches, as well as the gap length.

RESULTS: Three neonates with esophageal atresia received surgical treatment. For each case, the length and diameter of the blind upper and/or lower esophageal pouches were measured by ultrasonography. The gaps in two of three cases were long (>3cm), and in one case, it was short (<2cm).

CONCLUSIONS: High-resolution ultrasonography can demonstrate clearly the upper and lower pouches, as well as wall features, and has a clear advantage in measuring the length of the lower esophageal pouch and the gap, which is impossible with plain radiography and esophagography. The drawback is that ultrasonography failed to clearly demonstrate the fistula between the esophagus and the trachea. Despite this, high-resolution ultrasonography is a promising modality in the clinical diagnosis of esophageal atresia.