Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Evaluation of Anatomy and Outcome Prediction in Infants with Esophageal Atresia

Abstract Introduction: There is currently no validated diagnostic modality to characterize the anatomy and predict outcomes of tracheal esophageal defects, such as esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheal esophageal fistulas (TEFs). We hypothesized that ultra-short echo-time MRI would provide enhanced anatomic information allowing for evaluation of specific EA/TEF anatomy and identification of risk factors that predict outcome in infants with EA/TEF. Methods: In this observational study, 11 infants had pre-repair ultra-short echo-time MRI of the chest completed. Esophageal size was measured at the widest point distal to the epiglottis and proximal to the carina. Angle of tracheal deviation was measured by identifying the initial point of deviation and the farthest lateral point proximal to the carina. Results: Infants without a proximal TEF had a larger proximal esophageal diameter (13.5 ± 5.1 mm vs. 6.8 ± 2.1 mm, p = 0.07) when compared to infants with a proximal TEF. The angle of tracheal deviation in infants without a proximal TEF was larger than infants with a proximal TEF (16.1 ± 6.1° vs. 8.2 ± 5.4°, p = 0.09) and controls (16.1 ± 6.1° vs. 8.0 ± 3.1°, p = 0.005). An increase in the angle of tracheal deviation was positively correlated with duration of post-operative mechanical ventilation (Pearson r = 0.83, p < 0.002) and total duration of post-operative respiratory support (Pearson r = 0.80, p = 0.004). Discussion: These results demonstrate that infants without a proximal TEF have a larger proximal esophagus and a greater angle of tracheal deviation which is directly correlated with the need for longer post-operative respiratory support. Additionally, these results demonstrate that MRI is a useful tool to assess the anatomy of EA/TEF.