Iatrogenic tracheal stenosis presenting as persistent asthma

Respir Care. 2013 Sep;58(9):e107-10. doi: 10.4187/respcare.02231. Epub 2013 Jan 23.

Abstract

Although the incidence of post-intubation tracheal stenosis has markedly decreased with the advent of large volume, low pressure endotracheal tube cuffs, it still occurs, commonly in patients after prolonged intubation. We report a case of tracheal stenosis that developed after a brief period of endotracheal intubation, and that was misdiagnosed and treated as asthma and panic attacks.

Keywords: airway disease; asthma; interventional bronchoscopy; tracheal stenosis; wheezing.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Airway Obstruction / etiology
  • Asthma / diagnosis
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Humans
  • Iatrogenic Disease
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Panic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Smoking
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tracheal Stenosis / diagnosis*