Tracheobronchomalacia as a Rare Cause of Chronic Dyspnea in Adults

Abstract

Objective: To emphasize the importance of a careful clinical evaluation to prevent unnecessary interventions and treatments.

Clinical presentation and intervention: A 76-year-old female patient had been diagnosed with asthma during previous admissions to different hospitals. She had also undergone fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) on 2 occasions for evaluation of right middle lobe atelectasis observed on computed tomography. A repeated FOB revealed tracheobronchomalacia and nodular bronchial amyloidosis. A silicone Y stent was inserted, but the dyspnea increased. Excessive granulation tissue developed, and the patient died despite ventilatory support.

Conclusion: The stenting technique used did not prevent the development of respiratory failure and death in this patient. Hence, a surgical procedure could be considered as an alternative to stenting in such cases.