complete tracheal rings
A congenital tracheal anomaly in which the cartilaginous rings form complete circles rather than the normal C-shape, resulting in a rigid, narrowed, non-distensible airway segment.
Full Definition
Normally, tracheal cartilage rings are C-shaped (horseshoe-shaped), with a posterior membranous wall that allows flexibility. In complete tracheal rings, the cartilage forms a full O-shape, eliminating the membranous posterior wall and producing a fixed, narrowed tracheal lumen. This condition, also described as congenital tracheal stenosis, is strongly associated with pulmonary artery sling. Severity ranges from focal short-segment involvement to long-segment 'stovepipe trachea'. Surgical correction typically involves slide tracheoplasty. Editors should note that 'complete tracheal rings' is the preferred anatomical descriptor; 'congenital tracheal stenosis' is used when emphasising the physiological consequence.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from acquired tracheal stenosis (e.g., post-intubation). The preferred surgical procedure is 'slide tracheoplasty', not 'tracheoplasty' alone, in current specialist literature.
In Context
- "Rigid bronchoscopy confirmed complete tracheal rings extending from the third to twelfth tracheal cartilage." — Pre-operative surgical assessment report
- "The association between complete tracheal rings and pulmonary artery sling should be noted in the discussion section." — Editorial review comment on paediatric respiratory manuscript