[Tracheal agenesis. A rare cause of respiratory insufficiency in neonates].

Tracheal agenesis is a very rare congenital anomaly that occurs isolated or in combination with other anomalies. It presents immediately after birth with an absolute respiratory insufficiency and lack of crying. The immediate precise anatomical classification of the anomaly is crucial in order to decide if surgical therapy is possible. This report describes a newborn boy with tracheal agenesis type II. The diagnosis was confirmed by spiral computed tomography and a selection of the pictures is presented. The treatment was discontinued due to a lack of therapeutical options. Based on this case report we discuss the special situation of this rare anomaly. Interesting information on tracheal agenesis was gathered, the differential diagnosis of respiratory insufficiency of the newborn is summarised and a modified algorithm of the current newborn resuscitation guidelines of the American Heart Association is presented.