Double Carina: A Novel Tracheo-Bronchial Anomaly Found During a Pediatric Airway Evaluation

Abstract

Objectives:

To present a novel pediatric airway anomaly encountered on direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy, further characterized with computed tomography imaging of the chest.

Study Design:

Case report and literature review.

Methods:

Review of the clinical presentation, operative findings, and imaging findings of an infant who presented with respiratory distress in the setting of multiple congenital abnormalities. A brief literature review supplements the case presentation.

Results:

While multiple tracheobronchial anomalies have long been reported, this is the first report of a double or false carina: a system of symmetric paired upper and lower bronchi connected by a central conduit. Operative evaluation was limited given the narrow lumen, and postoperative imaging aided in further characterization of the pediatric airway.

Conclusions:

This is the first report of a novel tracheobronchial anomaly presenting as a double carina. Tracheobronchial anomalies are diverse and should be considered when performing operative airway evaluations. Imaging can be a helpful adjunct with anatomic characterization.