JAMA otolaryngology-- head & neck surgery
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JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Mar 2019
ReviewDiagnosis, Classification, and Management of Pediatric Tracheobronchomalacia: A Review.
Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) describes an increased collapsibility of the trachea and bronchi that is greatest on forced expiration. A broad term, TBM encompasses intrinsic tracheal weakness, some forms of tracheal deformation, and extrinsic compression. Tracheobronchomalacia is the most common congenital tracheal anomaly, affecting 1 in 2100 children. Tracheobronchomalacia is often associated with recurrent and prolonged respiratory tract infections, can lead to chronic lung disease, and can be fatal in its most severe form. Tracheobronchomalacia is often associated with other congenital anomalies and syndromes. ⋯ Tracheobronchomalacia is an entity of relevance to pediatric otolaryngologists and should be considered as being associated with respiratory distress, stridor, cough, recurrent pneumonia, or feeding difficulties, especially in children with syndromes or other congenital anomalies. A multidisciplinary approach to these patients is essential. A classification scheme facilitates discussion of individual patients among health care professionals and guides appropriate management. Novel surgical approaches for the treatment of TBM, including anterior and posterior tracheopexy and aortopexy, may be considered in management of the treatment of children with symptomatic TBM.