[CHAOS in neonatal emergency care? : Tracheal agenesis in the obstetric theatre]

Tracheal agenesis (TA) is a very rare congenital malformation of unknown aetiology. It is often associated with polymalformative syndromes; the neonates commonly present a critical condition during post-natal treatment. Pathology revolves around the triad of aphonia, respiratory distress syndrome and impossibility of endotracheal intubation. In contrast to the most important differential diagnosis, i. e., congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS), surgical airway management is also impossible due to the absence of tracheal structures. In most cases, prognosis is very poor. The case report at hand portrays the treatment of a neonate suffering from tracheal agenesis.