title: Vascular Anomalies in Children Misdiagnosed with Asthma: Case series.
abstract: In most asthmatic children, inhaled steroids can relieve and control the symptoms of asthma. Persistent wheezing and respiratory symptoms in young children despite appropriate treatment may indicate other diagnostic considerations. Delays in this diagnosis can result in unnecessary investigations, inappropriate treatment and further complications. We report three patients who presented to Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, in the period between September 2010 and May 2012 with persistent wheezing due to compression of the trachea caused by vascular anomalies. All patients had double aortic arches putting pressure on the trachea, leading to respiratory manifestations and feeding problems. Following surgery, all cases showed improvement and no longer required medication. Without clinical suspicion and appropriate imaging, congenital vascular anomalies may remain undetected for years. Infants and children with chronic wheezing should be evaluated for vascular anomalies as soon as possible. General practitioners should refer all such patients to a tertiary-level hospital for further investigations and management.
authors: Departments of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
authors: Hashim
authors: H
authors: Javad
authors: Departments of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
authors: Khalfan
authors: K
authors: Al-Sineidi
authors: Departments of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
authors: Anas A
authors: AA
authors: Abdelmogheth
authors: Departments of Radiology & Molecular Imaging, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
authors: Dilip
authors: D
authors: Sankhla
authors: Departments of Radiology & Molecular Imaging, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
authors: Humoud
authors: H
authors: Al-Dhuhli
authors: Departments of Radiology & Molecular Imaging, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
authors: Sinan I
authors: SI
authors: Azzawi
authors: Departments of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
authors: Mohamed A
authors: MA
authors: El-Naggari
keywords: Aortic Arch Syndromes; Asthma; Case Report; Oman; Stridor; Vascular Malformations; Wheezing; X-Ray Computed Tomography