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Tracheomalacia - acquired - Overview

Alternative Names

Secondary tracheomalacia

Definition of Tracheomalacia - acquired:

Acquired tracheomalacia is a weakness and floppiness of the walls of the windpipe (trachea) that develops after birth.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Acquired tracheomalacia is very uncommon. Rarely, babies, infants, and adults may develop the condition. It occurs when normal cartilage in the wall of the windpipe begins to break down.

Acquired, or secondary, tracheomalacia may result:

From pressure on the airway by large blood vessels
As a complication after surgical repair of a tracheo-esophagela fistula or esophageal atresia
After having a breathing tube or tracheostomy for a long time

Reviewed last on: 5/1/2011
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Gaissert HA, Burns J. The compromised airway: tumors, strictures, and tracheomalacia. Surg Clin North Am. 2010; 90(5):1065-1089.

Licameli GR, Richardson MA. Diagnosis and management of tracheal anomalies and tracheal stenosis. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2010:chap 207.

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