Upper airway obstruction in infants and children: evaluation by tracheobronchography with a non-ionic contrast agent

The clinical benefits of tracheobronchograms using non-ionic contrast medium were evaluated prospectively in ten infants and children with suspected airway obstruction who could not be weaned from endotracheal intubation and were in incubators. All patients were examined unsedated. The contrast agent was injected via the intubation tube, pumped with an Ambu-bag (Manual Resuscitator, Formosa-CJ Health Business Corporation, Taiwan), and then a chest radiograph was obtained immediately in both anteroposterior and lateral views using portable equipment. Imaging results were correct in eight of ten cases as judged from bronchoscopic, surgical, and clinical data. No complications occurred during or after these examinations. This method provides an easy, safe, and helpful technique for diagnosis of the airway in nonsedated infants and children whose condition is critical.