G326(P) Caseseries: all that wheezes is not asthma

Abstract

Aims To illustrate that although asthma is a common cause for wheezing, there should be high index of suspicion for rarer causes when either the presentation or the response to treatment is atypical. Methods Retrospective review of case notes. Results A 12 year old girl had worsening shortness of breath and wheeze on minimal exertion over a year. She had been diagnosed with asthma and received multiple courses of oral and inhaled steroids with minimal improvement. On chest auscultation she had an inspiratory and expiratory wheeze, more noticeable when she laughed. A chest x-ray showed bulbous widening of the superior mediastinum (Figure 1a). A flow volume loop suggested extrinsic intrathoracic airway compression. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed a mediastinal cystic mass compressing the distal trachea suggesting a foregut duplication (Figure 1b); this was removed thoracoscopically. Abstract G326(P) Figure 1a Widened mediastinum Abstract G326(P) Figure 1b Foregut duplication cyst A 3 year old girl diagnosed with asthma by her GP presented with a worsening cough and wheeze for 3 months. She presented with an exacerbation of symptoms. On examination there was a biphasic wheeze on lying flat. Due to foreign travel, a chest x-ray was requested revealing a large foreign body (Figure 2a). A button battery was retrieved endoscopy from her oesophagus. There was no tracheoeophageal fistula found on rigid bronchoscopy. Abstract G326(P) Figure 2a Foreign body in oesophagus A 4 year old girl presented with a worsening wheeze and wet cough for 1 year. She had received antibiotics and inhalers from her GP. On examination, there was decreased air entry unilaterally. A chest x-ray showed an extensive opacity in the left hemithorax causing mediastinal shift (Figure 3a). A CT scan showed a large cystic mass (Figure 3b). This was a cystic teratoma requiring resection. A 1 year old girl had a similar history, findings on examination and imaging to this, which was also a teratoma (Figure 4a). Abstract G326(P) Figure 3a CXR shwowing extensive opacity in the left hemithorax causing mediastinal shift Abstract G326(P) Figure 3b A CT scan showing a large cystic mass Abstract G326(P) Figure 4a CT scan showing large cystic mass Conclusion Routine imaging is not required to assess asthma, but if symptoms and signs are unusual or there is worsening of symptoms despite treatment, it should be considered, to seek alternative diagnoses. Assessment of asthma should include questioning the diagnosis at every clinic review as ‘all that wheezes is not asthma’.