Ultrashort-Segment Tracheal Stenosis at Juxtacarinal Location: Is it Congenital Absence of Just the Single Cartilage or Part of a Spectrum of Anomalous Growth?

Isolated absence of cartilage rings in the absence of a tracheoesophageal fistula is extremely rare and usually seen in the upper third of the trachea. A juxtacarinal segment is unique embryologically, with the distal tracheal cartilage being trifold in shape. Absence of this cartilage is rare and possibly implies specific developmental changes in airway. We report 3 such patients treated by excision of the affected segment and a direct anastomosis, with good result.