Airway compression by vascular anomalies in infants and neonates

Despite the tremendous health-care advances in recent years, external compression of the tracheobronchial tree by cardiovascular anomalies still remains a significant cause of morbidity and potential mortality in neonates and infants. As the initial presenting symptoms can be deceivingly mild, the diagnosis is easily missed without a high index of suspicion by the investigating clinician utilising the appropriate investigations. Four case studies are presented, (i) illustrating the importance of tracheobronchoscopy in assessing any neonate or infant with suspected airway obstruction; (ii) reviewing the current literature, and (iii) suggesting a comprehensive diagnostic approach by way of relevant investigations.