Neonatal and infantile fistulas: spectrum of findings on conventional contrast imaging with surgical correlation

Abstract

Background: Neonatal and infantile fistulas are diverse and include many types. Conventional contrast images are used to delineate the fistulous tracts. The aim of this study is to illustrate the conventional radiological spectrum of neonatal and infantile fistula with surgical correlation. Methods: Neonates and infants with suspected fistulas were included in this study. The patients may be presented by cutaneous fistula with discharge, profuse oral secretion and cyanosis on feeding, or imperforate anus. After full clinical data were taken, plain X-ray, contrast imaging, and abdominal sonography were done to the patients. Treatment was tailored according to the case. Results: Our study included 34 patients (25 boys and 9 girls): one case of branchial fistula; 2 cases with thyroglossal fistula; 10 cases of tracheo-esophageal, esophago-cutaneous, and esophago-pleural fistulas; 3 cases with vitello-intestinal fistula; one case with urachal fistula; 12 cases with recto-urinary, recto-vaginal, and recto-perineal fistula; 4 cases with peri-anal fistulas; and finally one case with iatrogenic urethra-cutaneous fistula. Radiological findings were well correlated with the surgical data. Conclusion: Many types of neonatal and infantile fistulas were shown in this series including tracheoesophageal, recto-urinary, and other neonatal fistulas. Radiological and surgical data were well matched.