Iranian Journal of Neonatology

Iranian Journal of Neonatology

The Diagnostic Challenge of an Accompanying Tracheal Bronchus and Meckel's Diverticulum: A Case Report

Document Type : Case Report

Authors
1 Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Mofid Children’s Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2 Assistant Professor of Neonatology and Perinatology, Clinical Research Development Center, Mahdiyeh Educational Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Children’s Gastroenterology, Liver and Nutrition Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4 Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Mofid Children`s Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
10.22038/ijn.2026.83499.2606
Abstract
A tracheal bronchus is a rare congenital abnormality in which an abnormal bronchus develops from the cricoid cartilage to the larynx. The prevalence of a tracheal bronchus is approximately 0.9% to 3% of the population. Due to its low prevalence, association with other anomalies, and the overlap of symptoms, this condition often goes undiagnosed or is diagnosed late in many cases. This article discusses a case involving an infant born at 37 weeks gestation. The baby required a right thoracotomy after experiencing cyanosis during feeding, leading to a diagnosis of tracheoesophageal fistula. During the bronchoscopy procedure, an abnormal orifice was noted above the carina. Subsequently, contrast material was introduced into the orifice and evaluated through fluoroscopy. The fluoroscopic examination confirmed that the observed orifice did not represent a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). Fluoroscopy findings showed that the mentioned orifice is an accessory bronchus connected to the right lung. In this case, the use of Visipaque during fluoroscopy significantly aided in diagnosis. The routine use of contrast agents for diagnosing tracheobronchial diseases in children is uncommon. The significant aspect of this case is the utilization of contrast material during fluoroscopy, which facilitated the accurate diagnosis of the condition. The low incidence of tracheal bronchus disease has resulted in limited diagnostic and treatment research progress. When tracheobronchial diseases are suspected, using contrast agents during imaging can expedite diagnosis.
Keywords


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 13 September 2026