Cardiovascular Causes of Pediatric Airway Compression: A Pictorial Review

Airways compression by vascular structures is one of the important comorbidities of congenital heart disease with incidence of approximately 1%-2% in children. Airways compression is a consequence of abnormal configuration of the great vessels producing a vascular ring with enlargement of normal structures (pulmonary arteries or cardiac chambers) or because of surgery. A high index of suspicion for vascular airway compression is important in children with recurrent respiratory complaints. Early diagnosis and management are essential, as chronic airway compression causes significant morbidity. As the underlying anatomical patterns tend to be highly complex, presurgical imaging assessment is essential.