Tracheal Agenesis: Vertical Division of the Native Esophagus - A Novel Surgical Approach and Review of the Literature

Rare type of tracheal agenesis: Unexpected presentation and immediate consideration of emergent esophageal intubation in neonatal resuscitation program. Case reports and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Tracheal agenesis, or tracheal atresia, is a rare congenital anomaly. The presence of a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) can help with breathing for newborns with tracheal agenesis. In this article, we presented three unique cases and outcomes of neonates with tracheal agenesis along with a review of the literature.

METHODS

This study consisted of a single center case series followed by a review of literature. Case reports were generated using both written and electronic medical records from a single hospital. We summarized three unique cases and outcomes of neonates with tracheal agenesis and performed a review of the literature.

RESULTS

We identified three cases of tracheal agenesis presented with severe cyanosis without spontaneous crying upon birth. Experienced pediatricians attempted to intubate the babies but were unsuccessful. Endotracheal tubes were subsequently either accidentally or purposely placed into the esophagus, and oxygen saturation levels improved. This suggested tracheal agenesis with TEF. Two cases underwent surgical intervention after resuscitation with esophageal intubation.

CONCLUSION

Esophageal intubation may be a life-sustaining ventilation support for patients with tracheal agenesis and TEF at initial resuscitation. Clinicians should suspect tracheal agenesis when a newborn presents with severe cyanosis and voiceless crying upon birth, and esophageal intubation should be immediately attempted.

Tracheal agenesis versus tracheal atresia: anatomical conditions, pathomechanisms and causes with a possible link to a novel MAPK11 variant in one case

BACKGROUND

In this study we aimed to describe the morphological and pathogenetic differences between tracheal agenesis and tracheal atresia, which are not clearly distinguished from each other in the literature, and to contribute thereby to the understanding and management of these conditions. Both tracheal agenesis and tracheal atresia represent rare disorders of still unknown aetiology that cannot be detected by prenatal ultrasound. If the affected foetuses survive until birth these conditions result in respiratory failure and in futile attempts to rescue the infant's life.

RESULTS

Autopsies and genetic analyses, including singleton or trio exome sequencing, were performed on five neonates/foetuses with tracheal agenesis and three foetuses with tracheal atresia. Tracheal agenesis was characterized by absence of the sublaryngeal trachea and presence of a bronchooesophageal fistula and by pulmonary isomerism and occurred as an isolated malformation complex or as part of a VACTERL association. Special findings were an additional so-called 'pig bronchus' and a first case of tracheal agenesis with sirenomelia. Tracheal atresia presenting with partial obliteration of its lumen and persistence of a fibromuscular streak resulted in CHAOS. This condition was associated with normal lung lobulation and single, non-VACTERL type malformations. Trio ES revealed a novel variant of MAPK11 in one tracheal agenesis case. Its involvement in tracheooesophageal malformation is herein discussed, but remains hypothetical.

CONCLUSION

Tracheal agenesis and tracheal atresia represent different disease entities in terms of morphology, pathogenesis and accompanying anomalies due to a primary developmental and secondary disruptive possibly vascular disturbance, respectively.

External Esophageal Stenting Technique in Palliation for Tracheal Agenesis in a Case of Esophageal Lung: A Lesson Learned from the Experience for Tracheomalacia

Tracheal agenesis (TA) is a rare congenital anomaly with an incidence of 1 per 50,000 newborns. It appears at birth with severe respiratory distress, cyanosis, and inaudible crying. Prompt esophageal intubation and long-term management of the esophageal airway are essential to overcome this catastrophic condition. In the long-term management, external stenting of the esophageal airway has been reported as promising to support the fragile esophageal wall; this technique was taken from the surgery for tracheomalacia. We experienced a case of an infant with tracheal agenesis whose respiratory status was stabilized after external esophageal stenting. The stenting was performed based on a lesson learned in the extensive experience in the surgical treatment for tracheomalacia, and the surgical techniques for successful stenting are herein described.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Then and Now; Broadening Indications and Availability

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life support technology provided to children to support respiratory failure, cardiac failure, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation after failure of conventional management. Over the decades, ECMO has expanded in use, advanced in technology, shifted from experimental to a standard of care, and evidence supporting its use has increased. The expanded ECMO indications and medical complexity of children have also necessitated focused studies in the ethical domain such as decisional authority, resource allocation, and equitable access.

Neonatal Airway Abnormalities

Neonatal airway abnormalities are commonly encountered by the neonatologist, general pediatrician, maternal fetal medicine specialist, and otolaryngologist. This review article discusses common and rare anomalies that may be encountered, along with discussion of embryology, workup, and treatment. This article aims to provide a broad overview of neonatal airway anomalies to arm those caring for these children with a broad differential diagnosis and basic knowledge of how to manage basic and complex presentations.