Intratracheal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour mimicking severe acute asthma

Abstract

SUMMARYA 3-year-old boy presented with severe airway obstruction which was diagnosed as asthma. He improved but had repeated episodes of severe airway obstruction. On clinical examination, he had a tracheal cough and monophonic wheezing. Imaging revealed a large lesion in the distal part of the trachea which was confirmed by bronchoscopy. The lesion was surgically removed. Histology revealed features characteristic of an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour. Following the resection there is no recurrence of the lesion. BACKGROUND

Simultaneous Esophageal and Tracheal Obstructions Caused by a Pair of Magnetic Beads in a Child: A Case Report

“…Causes other than asthma must be considered in infants and children with airway obstructions who have shown weak or no response to treatment, as well as previously asymptomatic children who develop sudden or recent wheezing. The most common cause of such a clinical condition is the inhalation of foreign bodies ( 4 ). A previous case series reported three cases of foreign body aspiration in pre-schoolers with no history of inhalation: they exhibited only asthma-like symptoms that persisted despite appropriate asthma treatment ( 5 ).…”

“…A previous case series reported three cases of foreign body aspiration in pre-schoolers with no history of inhalation: they exhibited only asthma-like symptoms that persisted despite appropriate asthma treatment ( 5 ). Other possibilities include acquired tracheal stenosis after endotracheal intubation, lymph node compression of the airways caused by pulmonary tuberculosis and/or a lymphoma, or a lung/large airway malignancy ( 4 ). For our patient, chest CT scans from a local hospital were available upon referral to our hospital; an accurate diagnosis was quickly determined.…”