Congenital Tracheal Stenosis as a Complication of a Congenital Cardiovascular Defect

Abstract

Congenital tracheal stenosis is caused by complete cartilaginous rings and leads to obstructive respiratory disease. Most patients with this condition experience respiratory symptoms from the neonatal or infantile period. In more than half of these patients, the condition is associated with a congenital cardiovascular defect, especially a pulmonary artery sling. Cardiovascular procedures for treating this condition are performed often. However, its complicated pathology, involving interactions between the respiratory and circulatory systems, poses a challenge to the pediatric cardiologist and cardiovascular surgeon. Therefore, a multidisciplinary team-based approach based on cooperation between pulmonologists, pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, neonatologists, and intensivists is highly recommended. Thus, this review provides an outline of congenital tracheal stenosis from the embryological, anatomical, and pathophysiological perspectives, with special attention to possible complications of congenital cardiovascular defects. Furthermore, it provides some recommendations regarding surgical techniques.