"Tracheomalacia can be broadly considered as being congenital or acquired. The remainder of this article relates to acquired tracheomalacia, while a separate article considers the specifics of congenital tracheomalacia."
"It is also important to note that the degree of AP diameter reduction in a normal paediatric trachea is greater than that in adults, and thus care should be taken in correlating borderline findings with symptoms 3. In some instances, a cut-off of 70% reduction of AP diameter may be a more specific finding 5."
"It is also important to note that the degree of AP diameter reduction in a normal paediatric trachea is greater than that in adults, and thus care should be taken in correlating borderline findings with symptoms 3. In some instances, a cut-off of 70% reduction of AP diameter may be a more specific finding 5."
Expected headings
"Adult"
"Paediatric"
"There is an overlap and inconsistency in the definition of tracheomalacia. Most authors state that the cardinal finding is that of expiratory tracheal collapse. However, some expand the definition by saying that inspiratory tracheal dilatation must also exist. For this article, the former broader definition is used."
"There are numerous causes of tracheomalacia, the commonest of which are:"
"CT with inspiratory and expiratory phases is particularly useful in the assessment of tracheomalacia. Inspiratory only CT is unable to make the diagnosis; however, a dilated trachea (>3 cm), especially with posterior bowing of the membranous portion (thus becoming circular) may indicate over-compliance of the trachea and thus suggest the diagnosis."