Affiliations: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Basildon &
Thurrock University Foundation Hospital, Basildon, Essex, UK
Note: [] Corresponding author: Dr. K. Ali, Basildon University Hospital,
Basildon, Essex, SS16 5NL, UK. Tel.: +44 1268593979; Fax: +44 1268598912;
E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Tracheal agenesis, though seemingly rare and fatal to date, has been
reported with increasing frequency. It presents shortly after delivery as
severe respiratory distress, absence of audible cry and impossible endotracheal
intubation. Attempts to save these children have failed to permit survival
although slight prolongation of life was achieved in some. We report a case of
tracheal agenesis in a preterm infant associated with other organ
malformations. The literature on tracheal agenesis is discussed.