Lung Disease in Children With Laryngotracheoesophageal Clefts
12/09/2025
INTRODUCTION: Laryngotracheoesophageal clefts (LTEC) are aspiration-related lesions often assessed using swallow studies and symptoms like respiratory or feeding difficulties. However, these indicators are unreliable predictors of disease severity. Lung inflammation and injury, though significant concerns, are rarely and inconsistently evaluated or reported. As a result, the correlation between swallow study findings and actual pulmonary disease remains unclear.