Madelyn Zapata-Valentin, Patricia Mulero Soto, Luis Martinez Nater, Jan Carlos Urban, Victor Ortiz Justiniano
St. Luke’s Episcopal Medical Center. Universidad Central del Caribe. Ponce Health Science University.
Puerto Rico
Journal of Surgery Case Reports
J Surg Case Rep 2026;
DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjag405
Abstract
Jarcho-Levin syndrome (JLS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by vertebral and rib malformations, with respiratory complications being a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Tracheostomy in patients with JLS can be technically challenging due to underlying anatomical abnormalities. We report two cases of JLS in which tracheostomy tube placement was required. In both cases, anatomical deformities presented significant technical challenges during the procedure. Based on our limited experience, we recommend specific surgical considerations for performing tracheostomy in patients with JLS. Furthermore, early tracheostomy should be considered in patients with JLS prior to the development of recurrent pneumonia and pulmonary hypertension. Currently, no standardized guidelines exist regarding the optimal timing of tracheostomy in JLS.
Category
Class III. Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Airway Disease, Apnea or Hypoventilation
Surgical and Catheter-mediated Interventions for Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Age Focus: Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Fresh or Filed Publication: Fresh (PHresh). Less than 1-2 years since publication
Article Access
Free PDF File or Full Text Article Available Through PubMed or DOI: Yes