Tracheal Agenesis: Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Isolated type III tracheal agenesis without associated congenital anomalies is very rare. Therefore, infants with this type of isolated defects are potential candidates for surgical correction. We present three cases of tracheal agenesis (Floyd's type III) with no other major abnormalities and reviewed the literature. We also discussed the previously attempted surgical procedures with the hope that in future, with advances in surgical reconstruction, there may be a better solution for this lethal anomaly.

Tracheal agenesis: Two case reports

“…The incidence of this rare anomaly is reported to be less than 1:50,000 with a male predominance [2]. This condition was first described by Payne in 1900.…”

A case of tracheal agenesis surviving without mechanical ventilation after external esophageal stenting

“…In 1979, Faro et al reported a more detail classification of tracheal agenesis (7 types) based on the literature review [3]. To our best knowledge, 144 cases of tracheal agenesis, including 19 of type I, 87 of type II and 38 of type III, have been reported in the English literature [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. In 1963 Fonkalsrud et al reported a case who survived for 6 weeks after reconstructive surgery including trachealizing the esophagus,dividing the distal esophagus and inserting a gastrostomy tube [12].…”

Tracheal agenesis and esophageal atresia with proximal and distal bronchoesophageal fistulas

“…Fewer than 100 cases have been reported in the literature until today. The incidence of it was reported to be less than 1:50,000 with a male predominance [1,4]. It presents immediately at birth with cyanosis and respiratory distress.…”