Tracheal Bronchus and Associated Anomaly Prevalence Among Children

Abstract

Background and objectives Tracheal bronchus (TB) is a rare congenital airway anomaly originating from the trachea, with a reported prevalence of 0.9%-3% in children. Although TB was studied in the literature, this anomaly was not evaluated in Qatar. Our study aimed to identify the prevalence and congenital anomalies associated with TB in children in Qatar. Design In this descriptive study, we identified patients who underwent flexible bronchoscopy (FB) at two large tertiary centers in Qatar from July 2007 to November 2020. The patients' demographic, bronchoscopic, and radiologic data were collected. The prevalence of TB and associated congenital anomalies were determined. Results Of 1786 patients who underwent FB, 20 (1.12%) were diagnosed with TB. The median age at the time of diagnosis was 31 months (range, 2-154 months). The associated congenital anomalies were identified in 16 cases (80%; p = 0.007). Cardiac defects represent the most common associated anomaly (8/20, 40%). Conclusion This study revealed that TB is an uncommon airway anomaly and emphasizes its significant association with other congenital malformations. Our findings should alert physicians to other associated TB anomalies and provide timely management when needed.

Keywords: airway anomalies; bronchoscopy; chromosomal abnormalities; trachea; tracheal bronchus.

Figure 1. Multidetector CT chest and bronchoscopic views of a TB in a patient

A. Multidetector CT scan with three-dimensional reconstruction showing right TB (red arrow);  B. Endoscopic view showing the early projection of a right TB at the lower third portion of the trachea (red arrow). TB, tracheal bronchus.