Tracheal A-frame Deformity: A Challenging Variant of Tracheal Stenosis

TRACHEAL stenosis after tracheostomy has a reported incidence of 6 to 21% and most commonly occurs secondary to granulation tissue around the stoma or cuff site or circumferential scarring ensuing due to pressure necrosis.1,2 Alternatively, a variant known as a tracheal “A-frame” deformity (see image) can develop, which results from loss of anterior support from tracheal rings.3 Consequently, there is inward collapse of the lateral tracheal walls, which gives the trachea the characteristic “A” shape at the previous stoma site.
Source: Anesthesiology - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research