Clinical Characteristics and Associated Congenital Lesions with Tracheomalacia in Infants

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Congenital Airway Disorders
• Neonatal Medicine

Background:

• Congenital tracheomalacia is a rare condition affecting the infant airway.
• Understanding its clinical presentation and associated anomalies is crucial for diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the clinical symptoms, bronchoscopic findings, and co-occurring anomalies in infants with congenital tracheomalacia.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 88 infants diagnosed with tracheomalacia via flexible bronchoscopy.
• Data collected between 2012 and 2015.

Main Results:

• Common symptoms included wheeze (57.9%), stridor (42.1%), and cough (38.6%).
• Tracheomalacia was most often found in the lower trachea (57.9%).
• Associated anomalies were laryngomalacia (30.7%) and congenital heart disease (17%).

Conclusions:

• Wheeze, stridor, and cough are key indicators of infant tracheomalacia.
• Laryngomalacia and congenital heart disease are frequently observed co-existing conditions.