Congenital Malformations of the Airway

Abstract

Airway malformations include a wide range of conditions that generally manifest early in life. These malformations usually present with upper and lower airway obstruction symptoms, which fluctuate in their intensity depending on how serious is the compromise. They may progress seriously during the neonatal period, exposing the patient to vital compromise, but clinical progression could be prolonged and mild during infancy. The principal congenital malformations of the airway are laryngomalacia, tracheomalacia, tracheal stenosis, bronchomalacia, and vascular rings.