Congenital tracheobiliary fistula

Congenital respiratory tract-biliary fistula, including tracheo- and bronch o-biliary fistulae, are rare developmental anomalies. To date, only 18 case s have been reported. We present two additional cases that came to our atte ntion after a long and difficult attempt to make a diagnosis. After surgica l excision of the tract both children have remained symptom-free for 6 and 4 years, respectively. Bronchoscopy allows an early diagnosis, but patients also have to be investigated for associated biliary tree malformations. (C ) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.