[Tracheal agenesis associated with laryngeal malformations as an unusual cause of airway failure]

M Rupérez Lucas1, B Bonet Serra, J A Martínez Orgado

  • 1Servicio de Neonatología, Fundación Hospital Alcorcón, Madrid, España. martaruperez@telefonica.net

Tracheal agenesis is an uncommon congenital malformation with an extremely high mortality rate. This malformation manifests after delivery as severe respiratory distress, cyanosis, lack of crying and impossibility of endotracheal respiratory support. This anomaly is usually associated with cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal malformations. Only a high index of suspicion and early surgical management will prevent death. An early diagnosis may also help the parents and the medical team to take appropriate decisions. Currently, there is no effective therapy that guarantees long-term survival.

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