Tracheal Web

Abstract

Postintubation tracheal web is a rarely encountered complication of endotracheal intubation. Although few of them remain asymptomatic until diagnosed accidentally, most of them present with symptoms of acute airway obstruction and even death. We present here a case of postintubation tracheal web with uncommon features, including a very long delay in diagnosis despite a 99% obstruction of the tracheal lumen.

Not all wheezing is COPD

“…[1][2][3][4][5] In addition, tracheal stenosis can be a late complication of endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy in adults, and so can tracheal web, although it is rare. 6,7 Tracheal web is usually misdiagnosed as asthma or COPD. 2,6,8 In our patient, the correct diagnosis was missed by multiple physicians over many years, leading to inappropriate referral for lung transplant.…”

“…6,7 Tracheal web is usually misdiagnosed as asthma or COPD. 2,6,8 In our patient, the correct diagnosis was missed by multiple physicians over many years, leading to inappropriate referral for lung transplant.…”

“…Bronchoscopy combined with computed tomography reconstruction is a reliable and sensitive method of evaluating tracheal web in suspected cases. 6,9 It is also important to examine the fl ow-volume loop obtained during spirometry. Sometimes a rare diagnosis like tracheal web can be easily identifi ed, and appropriate management can be rendered.…”