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

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.