Oesophageal bronchus

Oesophageal bronchus refers to the rare occurrence where a bronchus arises directly from the oesophagus.

Epidemiology

It is more common in females with a M:F of 1:2 ². 

Gross anatomy

Oesophageal bronchi may be the main bronchus, which gives rise to oesophageal lung, or may be a lobar bronchus, most commonly a lower lobe bronchus.

Associations

• oesophageal atresia
• tracheo-oesophageal fistula

Blood supply

Arterial supply and venous drainage is variable:

• arterial supply: may arise directly from the thoracic aorta
• venous drainage: may be to systemic or pulmonary circulations

Radiographic appearance

Chest radiograph

• unilateral alveolar opacity and air bronchogram as a result of aspiration ⁴
• mediastinal shift to the affected side ²

Fluoroscopy - barium swallow

• barium fills the bronchus and first-order branches ²