Tracheal agenesis: a rare cause of unsuccessful tracheal intubation during resuscitation

Tracheal agenesis is a rare congenital airway anomaly that usually results in a fatal outcome. The diagnosis is usually made through post-mortem examination. In the current literature, there has been no reported long-term survival although a few reports claimed prolongation of life of several hours to days. This condition is commonly associated with premature birth, polyhydramnios and a male predominance. In 90% of the cases, it is associated with multiple cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract anomalies which are incompatible with life. We report a case of a premature newborn with severe respiratory distress, absent cry and cyanosis soon after birth. Attempts at endotracheal intubation failed as it was no possible to negotiate the tube beyond the vocal cords. Needle cricothyrotomy and attempted tracheostomy also failed to secure the airway. The diagnosis was confirmed at post-mortem examination.