Work

Successful Treatment of Multilevel Tracheal Stenosis Post Blunt Chest Trauma in a Child by Early Bronchoscopic Balloon Dilatation: A Case Report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Tracheal stenosis in children is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. We report a case of multilevel tracheal stenosis in a child who sustained blunt chest trauma in a car accident. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient is an 11-year-old previously healthy boy who presented to the pediatric emergency room unconscious after being rolled over while seated unstrained inside a vehicle. A chest CT scan showed bilateral pulmonary contusions. He required intubation and mechanical ventilation initially but was noted to have biphasic stridor after extubation. He presented to the pediatric pulmonary clinic 2 weeks after discharge from the hospital with persistent stridor and shortness of breath on exertion. Spirometry revealed flattening of the inspiratory and expiratory limbs of the flow-volume loop, suggestive of fixed large airway obstruction. Direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy were performed and revealed multilevel tracheal stenosis. He was successfully treated with repeated bronchoscopic balloon dilatation with sustained improvement in symptoms and spirometry findings 8 months post final procedure. CONCLUSION: Tracheal stenosis should be suspected in children who sustain blunt chest trauma. Early recognition and treatment with bronchoscopic balloon dilatation can prevent long-term complications.

Source: Pediatric Reports

DOI: 10.3390/pediatric17060117

Authors: Badar Al Dhouyani, Atqah AbdulWahab, Muna Maarafiya, Bilal Kabbara, Mutasim Abu-Hasan

Institution: Sidra Medical and Research Center

Language: English

Topic: Tracheal and airway disorders

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930