Congenital complete tracheal rings. Report of a case

An unusual congenital tracheal anomaly is described. Complete (closed) tracheal rings, occupying the entire length of the trachea, have seldom been reported. Most affected patients succumb to respiratory infections in early infancy. Diagnosis of this anomaly is difficult during life, but radiographic and endoscopic examinations may be revealing. There is no known definitive treatment, although the airway may be managed long enough for body growth to relieve the obstruction. This rare anomaly should be considered in those cases of intermittent respiratory obstruction that are not associated with other more common causes of stridor.