Abnormal esophageal anatomy associated with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia: report of a case

Gastroesophageal reflux associated with anatomic and functional abnormalities of the esophagus may be encountered following the repair of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). We report herein the case of a newborn male infant with CDH found to have an air-filled paravertebral structure. Upper gastrointestinal series confirmed the presence of an ectatic esophagus with poor peristalsis and severe gastroesophageal reflux. The patient required jejunostomy after a safe period of total parenteral nutrition. He tolerated oral feeding following medical treatment without the need for antireflux surgery. The association of dysphagia, esophageal ectasia, and gastroesophageal reflux is rarely seen with CDH, and feeding intolerance is a self-limited disorder that does not usually necessitate antireflux surgery.