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Published on: February 5, 2021
Right tracheal bronchus in an infant with congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Terri Ashmeade1, Jane D Carver
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida 33606, USA.
Insights
Neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) may have airway anomalies. A rare right tracheal bronchus was found in a CDH infant with recurrent atelectasis, highlighting potential adverse consequences.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Neonatal Medicine
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is frequently associated with other major congenital malformations.
- Airway anomalies, including stenosis and abnormal bronchial branching, are common in neonates with CDH.
Observation:
- A neonate diagnosed with CDH presented with recurrent episodes of right upper-lobe atelectasis.
- Diagnostic evaluation revealed an unusual anatomical airway variation: a right tracheal bronchus.
Findings:
- The presence of a right tracheal bronchus in a neonate with CDH was identified as the cause of recurrent atelectasis.
- This specific airway anomaly can lead to significant respiratory complications in affected infants.
Implications:
- Early identification of tracheal bronchus in CDH patients is crucial for appropriate management.
- Recognizing this anomaly can help prevent potentially severe and avoidable adverse respiratory outcomes.
- This case underscores the importance of thorough airway assessment in neonates with complex congenital conditions like CDH.
Abstract:
Neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) often have other major malformations. Anatomic airway anomalies associated with CDH include congenital stenosis, pulmonary hypoplasia, and abnormal bronchial branching. We describe an infant with CDH who, after developing recurrent upper-lobe atelectasis, was found to have a right tracheal bronchus. This clinically significant anomaly can have important and potentially preventable adverse consequences.
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