Tracheal anomalies associated with Down syndrome: A systematic review.

In children with DS, tracheal anomalies occur more frequently and tracheal surgery is performed more frequently than in non-DS children. When complaints indicative of tracheal airway obstruction like biphasic stridor, dyspnea, or wheezing are present in children with DS, diagnostic rigid laryngotracheobronchoscopy with special attention to the trachea is indicated. Furthermore, imaging studies (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound) play an important role in the workup of DS children with airway symptoms. Management depends on the type, number, and extent of tracheal anomalies. Surgical treatment seems to be the mainstay in severe cases.