tracheoesophageal fistula

a birth defect caused by improper development of the baby's trachea (windpipe) and esophagus during pregnancy. The esophagus does not connect to the stomach, and there is also an abnormal connection between the esophagus and the trachea. Food cannot pass through to the stomach, and may pass into the trachea and then into the lungs, causing breathing problems. Fetal tracheoesophageal fistula may be suggested by ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) but it is difficult to diagnose before birth.