Tracheoesophageal stripe

Tracheoesophageal stripe is a term used in radiology to describe a specific feature seen in lateral chest radiographs. The stripe represents the interface between the trachea and the esophagus and is created by the air in the trachea and the soft tissue of the esophagus.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "tracheoesophageal" is derived from the Greek words "tracheia" meaning "rough" or "windpipe" and "oesophagus" meaning "gullet" or "food pipe". The term "stripe" is derived from the Old High German word "stripon" meaning "to streak or to stroke".

Description[edit | edit source]

The tracheoesophageal stripe is a thin, vertically oriented line seen to the right of the midline in a lateral chest radiograph. It is formed by the air-filled trachea anteriorly and the soft tissue density of the esophagus posteriorly. The stripe is usually less than 5mm in width and extends from the level of the cricoid cartilage to the carina.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

The tracheoesophageal stripe is a useful landmark in radiology. It can help in identifying abnormalities in the trachea or esophagus. For example, an enlarged or thickened tracheoesophageal stripe may indicate a tracheoesophageal fistula, esophageal atresia, or mediastinal mass. Conversely, a thin or absent tracheoesophageal stripe may suggest pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax.

Related terms[edit | edit source]

Tracheoesophageal fistula: An abnormal connection between the trachea and the esophagus.
Esophageal atresia: A congenital medical condition which affects the alimentary tract and causes the esophagus to end in a blind-ended pouch rather than connecting normally to the stomach.
Mediastinal mass: A growth in the area of the chest that separates the lungs.
Pneumomediastinum: The presence of air in the mediastinum, the space in the chest between the lung sacs.
Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung.

Tracheoesophageal stripe Resources
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