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Primary tracheomalacia and persistent wheezing in cystic fibrosis during infancy

Woolf Walker1, Claire Head, Julian Legg

  • 1Regional Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Southampton University Hospitals Trust, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK.

Journal of Bronchology & Interventional Pulmonology
|November 22, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Persistent wheezing in infants may indicate primary tracheomalacia, not just cystic fibrosis-related lung disease. Early diagnosis via bronchoscopy avoids unnecessary treatments and investigations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Persistent infant wheezing can mimic or complicate cystic fibrosis-related lung disease.
  • Poor response to bronchodilators warrants investigation into alternative etiologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify primary tracheomalacia as a cause of persistent, bronchodilator-unresponsive wheezing in infants.
  • To highlight the importance of early diagnosis to guide appropriate management.

Main Methods:

  • Case series describing 3 infants with persistent wheezing.
  • Diagnosis confirmed using flexible bronchoscopy during spontaneous respiration.

Main Results:

  • All 3 infants were diagnosed with primary tracheomalacia.
  • This condition presented as persistent wheezing unresponsive to bronchodilators.

Conclusions:

  • Primary tracheomalacia should be considered in infants with persistent wheezing.
  • Early recognition via bronchoscopy can prevent unnecessary investigations and corticosteroid use.

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