Congenital Tracheal Anomalies: Pathology Study Using Serial Macrosections and Review of the Literature

Abstract

This description of congenital tracheal lesions is presented with a focus on the information derived from the specimens collected for the Laryngeal Development Laboratory at the Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago from 1975 to 1992. During this period, 115 laryngotracheal specimens were obtained, 22 of which were found to have congenital tracheal anomalies. Six specimens were determined to have tracheomalacia, including one with primary tracheomalacia and five with secondary tracheomalacia: three were associated with tracheoesophageal fistula and two with aberrant innominate artery. Thirteen specimens had a trapped first tracheal arch; one, complete tracheal rings; and two, tracheal cartilaginous sleeve. Three specimens had tracheal agenesis, and three, tracheoesophageal fistula. Some specimens have more than one tracheal anomaly. Sixteen patients also had anomalies of other systems.

Key Words:

• complete tracheal rings
• congenital tracheal anomalies
• tracheal agenesis
• tracheal cartilaginous sleeve
• tracheomalacia
• trapped first tracheal arch