Recurrent Severe Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in a Child With Abnormal Tracheal Morphology

Localized recurrent respiratory infections, leading to severe hypoxia in young children without immunological abnormalities or other risk factors, should raise the suspicion of airway structural abnormalities. In a 24-month-old boy, with recurrent severe post-viral wheezing and a history of RSV-induced bronchiolitis and gastro-esophageal reflux, fiberoptic bronchoscopy demonstrated an abnormal morphology of the distal portion of the trachea, ending in four openings. Computed tomography (CT) scans demonstrated the presence of a right tracheal bronchus and an anomalous upper lobar bronchus, originating at the level of the major carina. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:192-194. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.