Severe tracheomalacia secondary to double aortic arch. Any role in posterior aortopexy? A case report

ABSTRACT

Tracheomalacia is the abnormal collapse of the tracheal lumen and is common after cardiac compression. In the severe types, tracheomalacia can lead to significant morbidity, especially if encountered in a critical area, such as the distal part of the trachea, immediately above the tracheal bifurcation. We report a case that did not improve after cardiac surgery with persistent airway narrowing of more than 90%, requiring ventilatory support for a year. The case was difficult to manage, but the patient eventually showed a significant improvement after a posterior aortopexy that helped a lot in weaning him off the ventilator with a residual persistent audible wheeze and recurrent chest exacerbation. The diagnostic and therapeutic options for the case will be discussed