Tracheal agenesis clinical presentation in a preterm infant: Prenatal MRI difficulties and autopsy findings

• Main Authors: Said Saadi, MD, Nouha Ben Abdeljelil, MD, Amina Ben Salem, MD, Fatma Zohra Chioukh, MD, Nidhal Haj Salem, MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2020-09-01
• Series: Radiology Case Reports
• Subjects: Tracheal agenesis; Congenital abnormalities; Prenatal diagnosis; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Autopsy
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S193004332030296X
• ISSN: 1930-0433

We describe, the clinical presentation of a rare case of Tracheal Agenesis in a preterm infant and we highlight magnetic imaging resonance (MRI) and autopsy findings to better characterize this anomaly. A 30-year-old female presented for acute polyhydramnios at 30 weeks gestation of a male foetus. Prenatal MRI was performed and excluded this diagnosis. After delivery, the neonate presented a respiratory distress. The laryngoscopy control of tube position concluded to an esophageal intubation. A second reading of antenatal MRI was made. An autopsy was performed. The internal examination of the organs revealed broncho-oesophageal fistula. The upper airways were obstructed at the larynx. Fetal MRI should be interpreted with caution when Tracheal Agenesis is highly suspected.