[Necrotizing tracheobronchitis in an infant]

To alert the pediatric emergency physician about an unusual cause of airways obstruction in children undergoing mechanical ventilation.

We report a case of necrotizing tracheobronchitis (NTB) in an 8-month-old boy and discuss the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

This child presented a good outcome that was related to prompt diagnosis and treatment with bronchoscopic removal of necrotic tissue.

The pediatric emergency physician must consider NTB in every children undergoing mechanical ventilation who presents acute episodes of airways obstruction, hypercarbia, lack of chest movement and pulmonary hyperinflation, even out of the perinatal period. This characteristic clinical presentation, when recognized, is an indication for emergency tracheobronchoscopy.