Reconstruction of the Mediastinum and Tracheopexy for Tracheomalacia in Straight Back Syndrome

Tracheomalacia in straight back syndrome results from chronic compression of the trachea and the mainstem bronchi mainly because of decreased mediastinal diameter. The mainstay of correction is the increase of mediastinal space and the restoration of the tracheal lumen and stability. Owing to the great variability of the manifestation of this disease, individualized approaches are required. We describe our approach in a 36-year-old woman with straight back syndrome associated severe tracheobronchomalacia with reconstruction of the proximal aorta, brachiocephalic artery, sternoplasty, and anterior tracheopexy, which resulted in successful treatment of the condition. (C) 2021 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Automated summary

Tracheomalacia in straight back syndrome is caused by chronic tracheal and bronchial compression due to decreased mediastinal diameter. The main treatment involves increasing mediastinal space and restoring tracheal stability. Individualized approaches are necessary due to the variability in disease presentation.