False carina: a distinct variant of tracheal bronchus.

Tracheal-bronchus is an aberrant bronchus arising from the lateral tracheal wall, superior to the carina. A "False-carina" can be classified as a sub-type. This clinical entity will be defined and the clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of five patients with variations of the anatomical definition of a False-carina, identified at our institution, will be reviewed. Congenital bronchial abnormalities, including False-carina, have important implications in the overall management of the airway. Management can range from expectant in asymptomatic patients to surgical intervention in cases of recurrent respiratory infections. Awareness and understanding of this clinical entity allows for timely investigation, diagnosis and appropriate intervention.