esophageal atresia
Pronunciation: ih-sof-uh-JEE-al uh-TREE-zhuh
Also written as: EA — esophageal atresia
Congenital condition where the esophagus ends in a blind pouch rather than connecting to the stomach.
Full Definition
Esophageal atresia is a serious congenital anomaly where the esophagus fails to develop as a continuous passage to the stomach. Most commonly, it occurs with a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), creating an abnormal connection between the esophagus and trachea. Infants present with excessive oral secretions, coughing, choking with feeding attempts, and inability to pass a nasogastric tube. The condition is part of the VACTERL association and requires immediate surgical intervention. The Gross classification system describes the various anatomical types.
Usage
Usage note: Often occurs with TEF (tracheoesophageal fistula) and should be specified as 'EA with TEF' or 'isolated EA' as appropriate.
In Context
- "The inability to pass a nasogastric tube and excessive oral secretions indicated esophageal atresia." — Emergency department note
- "Type C esophageal atresia with distal tracheoesophageal fistula is the most common variant." — Surgical consultation report