Double Carina: A Novel Tracheo-Bronchial Anomaly Found During a Pediatric Airway Evaluation.

OBJECTIVES

To present a novel pediatric airway anomaly encountered on direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy, further characterized with computed tomography imaging of the chest.

STUDY

DESIGN

Case report and literature review.

METHODS

Review of the clinical presentation, operative findings, and imaging findings of an infant who presented with respiratory distress in the setting of multiple congenital abnormalities. A brief literature review supplements the case presentation.

RESULTS

While multiple tracheobronchial anomalies have long been reported, this is the first report of a double or false carina: a system of symmetric paired upper and lower bronchi connected by a central conduit. Operative evaluation was limited given the narrow lumen, and postoperative imaging aided in further characterization of the pediatric airway.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report of a novel tracheobronchial anomaly presenting as a double carina. Tracheobronchial anomalies are diverse and should be considered when performing operative airway evaluations. Imaging can be a helpful adjunct with anatomic characterization.