Pediatric and adult tracheobronchomalacia

Twelve cases of tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) cases were reviewed: five were pediatric, and seven were adult, two of which were due to relapsing polychondritis (RPC). In pediatric TBM, the malacic segments were short. Resection of the malacic segment in one case and laryngotracheoplasty with autologous costal cartilage in one case were unsuccessful. However, aortopexy gained good results. Two cases managed conservatively experienced gradual improvement of their symptoms. In adult TBM, plication of pars membranacea was not effective in one case. The insertion of a stent was minimally effective in one case, and distinctly in one polychondritic case. The other four cases managed conservatively have deteriorated gradually. From these findings, a new classification system is proposed.