[Tracheomalacia in patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities]

A total of 18 patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities are reported, including 17 identified as having tracheomalacia (TM) by bronchofiberscopy and 1 suspected case. The clinical backgrounds, bronchoscopic findings, managements and outcomes of these patients were studied. The ages ranged from 2 to 41 years old (mean : 22.8 years). Fourteen patients had cerebral palsy and 4 had other neuromuscular diseases. More than 80% of the patients had flattening of the thoracic cage, scoliosis, and recurrent respiratory infections. Bronchofiberoptic videoscopy revealed a mean 73.6% narrowing of the trachea, and 3 cases had 100% obstruction. The crescent type and a newly identified flat type of TM were observed, but there was no saber-sheath type. Attacks of cyanosis and transient or sudden respiratory difficulties were important symptoms for TM in 13 cases. TM may cause sudden death in these patients. Tracheostomy may be recommended for severe cases with TM. An adjustable tracheostomy tube improved the narrowing of the trachea significantly in 6 cases. Bronchofiberoptic videoscopy is nessesary for accurate evaluation of TM and an adjustable tracheostomy tube may be useful for selected patients.