Tracheal Bronchus: Classification, Endoscopic Analysis, and Airway Management

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Tracheal bronchus ( bronchus suis) is an unusual congenital anomaly in which the right upper lobe has its origin in the trachea rather than distal to the carina. We sought to analyze the anatomy, presentation, and airway management principles of tracheal bronchi, and we present the first endoscopically documented tracheal diverticulum. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: Retrospective case series. RESULTS: The tracheal bronchus is located at the junction of the mid and distal thirds of the right lateral trachea, is more common in males and children with other congenital anomalies, and may be associated with right main bronchus stenosis. Bronchoscopy provides a clear definitive view of the anomaly, which we found in 5 children during a 12-year period (0.5% of pediatric bronchoscopy procedures). We illustrate 3 types of tracheal bronchi: (1) vestigial tracheal diverticulum (newly described), (2) high apical lobe, and (3) fully developed supranumerary aerated tracheal bronchus. Endoscopic documentation of each type is presented. Children with tracheal bronchi may present with stridor, cough, and/or recurrent right-sided pneumonia and/or to have foreign body aspiration ruled out. Treatment is based on the severity of symptoms and ranges from observation to right upper lobectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Otolaryngologists should be aware of the tracheal bronchus, to include classification, endoscopic analysis, and airway management of this uncommon anomaly. Bronchoscopy with selected radiographic imaging allows the otolaryngologist to fully evaluate the child with a tracheal bronchus and to present timely therapeutic options. Tracheal bronchus is a congenital anomaly in which a right upper lobe bronchus has its origin in the trachea rather than at the carina. Bronchus suis, or “pig bronchus,” is an alternate name that is used because a tracheal bronchus is normal in swine and other ruminant animals. In approximately 1000 pediatric bronchoscopy procedures performed by the senior author during a 12-year period, only 5 children (approximately 0.5%) were identified with a tracheal bronchus. We present 3 representative cases to highlight salient features of each variant of the tracheal bronchus. A newly described “tracheal diverticulum” variant is presented. Tracheal bronchus classification based on endoscopic analysis assists with airway management for this uncommon anomaly.