Congenital oesophageal respiratory tract fistula presenting in adult life.

Congenital oesophageal respiratory tract fistula presenting in adult life is rare. A tracheo-oesophageal and a broncho-oesophageal fistula presenting in a 22 year old female and 68 year male, respectively, are described. In both, symptoms of chronic recurrent pulmonary suppuration were initially attributed to alternative aetiologies, resulting in diagnostic delay and inappropriate management. Correct diagnosis was established by flexible bronchoscopy and oesophageal contrast studies. Surgical division of fistulae resulted in complete symptom resolution.