A tracheoesophageal fistula is secondary to incomplete division of the trachea and esophagus during organogenesis, resulting in an abnormal connection between the esophagus and the trachea. Its incidence is 1 in 2,000-4,000 live births. Symptoms include coughing and choking during feeding, recurrent pneumonia and respiratory distress.

While one would not purposely perform a study in this way, it nicely demonstrates the anatomy of esophageal atresia with TE fistula. Contrast was administered through a G tube into the stomach. The contrast refluxed into the distal esophagus across the tracheoesophageal fistula into the trachea and from the trachea into the esophageal pouch.