Tracheal stenosis in the sick premature infant. Clinical and radiologic features.

Six premature infants with congenital tracheal stenosis underwent diagnostic evaluation. Clinical features and chest roentgenograms were nonspecific; difficulty with intubation was the most common clinical finding and persistent lobar collapse the more common radiologic finding. The diagnosis was established by bronchoscopy in all infants. In the differential diagnosis of the sick premature infant, problems with airway patency must be considered because early intervention may reduce morbidity and mortality.