Perforation of the pharynx in the newborn: a condition mimicking esophageal atresia.

Three cases of perforation of the pharynx in the newborn are presented. This condition resembles esophageal atresia, in that: (a) the symptoms are identical; (b) in both conditions there is failure to pass a nasogastric tube; (c) opacification of the esophagus through a nasogastric tube gives x-ray pictures confusingly similar. Careful examination of the radiographs can differentiate the two conditions. Although the three patients presented were operated on, conservative treatment is probably adequate for this condition.