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[Tracheal compression by the innominate artery (author's transl)]
Padiatrie Und Padologie
|January 1, 1979
Summary
A congenital innominate artery compression caused severe breathing issues in an infant, mimicking whooping cough. Diagnosis involved imaging and tracheoscopy, leading to appropriate management of this rare vascular anomaly.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Congenital Cardiovascular Anomalies
Background:
- Infants can present with severe respiratory distress mimicking infectious causes like pertussis (whooping cough).
- Vascular anomalies compressing the airway are a rare but critical differential diagnosis in neonates and infants.
Observation:
- A 5-week-old infant exhibited pertussis-like cough, cyanosis, and frequent reflex apnea (up to 40/day).
- Cerebral causes were excluded, revealing a ventral tracheal indentation.
- Tracheoscopy confirmed the indentation, noting a lack of pulsation in the affected tracheal segment.
Findings:
- Angiography identified the innominate artery as the structure compressing the trachea.
- This case highlights a congenital anatomical variant causing significant airway obstruction.
- Symptoms were severe despite the absence of inspiratory stridor, a common sign.
Implications:
- Early and accurate diagnosis of innominate artery compression is crucial for preventing severe respiratory compromise.
- Understanding this vascular anomaly aids in appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
- This case underscores the importance of considering vascular rings and slings in infantile respiratory symptoms.