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
Nazanin Farahbakhsh 1
Seyed Ahmad Tabatabaii 1
Shamsollah Nouripour 2
Mahmoud Hajipour 3
Saba Ramezani 1
1 Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Mofid Children’s Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2 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
10.22038/ijn.2026.83499.2606
Abstract
Background: A tracheal bronchus is a rare congenital abnormality in which an abnormal bronchus arises from the trachea. The prevalence of a tracheal bronchus is approximately 0.9% to 3% in the population. Due to its low prevalence, association with other anomalies, and overlapping symptoms, this condition often goes undiagnosed or is diagnosed late.
Case Report: This article discusses a case of 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 bronchoscopy, an abnormal orifice was noted above the carina. Subsequently, contrast material was introduced into the orifice and evaluated under fluoroscopy.
Conclusion: The fluoroscopic examination confirmed that the observed orifice did not represent a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). Fluoroscopy findings showed that the orifice was an accessory bronchus connected to the right lung. In this case, the use of Visipaque during fluoroscopy significantly aided the 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 an accurate diagnosis. The low incidence of tracheal bronchus has resulted in limited progress in diagnostic and treatment research. When tracheobronchial anomalies are suspected, the use of contrast agents during imaging can expedite diagnosis.
Keywords
Fluoroscopy
Tracheal bronchus
Tracheobronchial diseases
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Iranian Journal of Neonatology
Volume 17, Issue 4
Autumn 2026
Pages 46-49