Congenital tracheal stenosis treated with dilatation.

Congenital tracheal stenosis is a rare anomaly characterized by a broad spectrum of variations. Affected segments differ in the grade extent of stenosis, from thin webs to more severe stenoses such as short-segmental, funnel-like, or long-segment tracheal stenosis. A 5-month-old infant with persistent congenital stridor and acute respiratory distress is presented. Radiographic and tracheobronchoscopic investigations confirmed the diagnosis of congenital tracheal stenosis without associated vascular, pulmonary or gastrointestinal anomalies. The stenosis was of a fibrous nature and segmental morphology affecting the initial tracheal section. Dilatation was performed by a rigid tracheobronchoscope with favorable outcome. The reported case was classified into class 1 lesions, which are associated with low mortality and good prognosis. Dilatation performed with a rigid bronchoscope proved to be a rational therapeutic approach in this case. The possible diagnostic and other therapeutic approaches to congenital tracheal stenosis are also discussed.