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Updated: May 21, 2026
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Continuous Telemetric In Utero Tracheal Pressure Measurements in Fetal Lambs
Published on: December 22, 2023
Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome without tracheoesophageal fistula and with in utero decrease in relative
Rieko Furukawa1, Toshinori Aihara, Yuko Tazuke
1Department of Pediatric Medical Imaging, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, Japan, 329-0498. rieppef-tym@umin.net
Pediatric Radiology
|June 23, 2012
Summary
Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) cases may show imaging improvements not always linked to fistulas. Other factors likely reduce fetal intrathoracic pressure in CHAOS.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Fetal medicine
- Pediatric surgery
Background:
- Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) presents with specific US and MRI findings like airway occlusion and lung hyperinflation.
- CHAOS can lead to fetal hydrops and ascites due to increased intrathoracic pressure.
Observation:
- A case of CHAOS demonstrated sequential improvements on serial fetal MRI scans.
- These improvements suggested a decrease in fetal intrathoracic pressure.
Findings:
- Despite observed imaging improvements, no spontaneous tracheoesophageal fistula was identified.
- This challenges the assumption that fistula formation is the sole cause of pressure reduction in CHAOS.
Implications:
- Imaging improvements in CHAOS may occur without a fistula, indicating alternative mechanisms for pressure relief.
- Further research is needed to identify other factors contributing to decreased fetal intrathoracic pressure in CHAOS.
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