Severe Pediatric Bronchomalacia

Bronchomalacia is caused by deficiency in the bronchial cartilages and is defined as an appearance of deformity and a bronchial cross-sectional decrease of more than or equal to 50% during exhalation.1 Malacia may affect one or both bronchi and/or the trachea. Tracheobronchomalacia may be primary or secondary to external compression or prolonged intubation, especially with high-pressure ventilation.2 It is associated with esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula, congenital heart disease, and other syndromes and is part of the differential diagnosis in refractory asthma.1
Source: Anesthesiology - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research