Endobronchial tuberculosis with expectoration of tracheal cartilages

Eur Respir J. 2000 Apr;15(4):800-2. doi: 10.1034/j.1399-3003.2000.15d27.x.

Abstract

A case of endotracheal tuberculosis with expectorations of the lateral one-third of the multiple tracheal cartilages is reported. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy revealed caseous materials and loosening of the tracheal cartilages. The patient expectorated cartilaginous material several times before and after fibreoptic bronchoscopy. In spite of the loss of tracheal cartilages, tracheal lumen was maintained with a mild airflow limitation. The remaining two-thirds of the tracheal cartilage rings seemed to be strong enough to support the tracheal lumen opening during the respiratory cycle. Although rare, expectoration of bronchial cartilage can be one of the clinical features of endobronchial tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antitubercular Agents / administration & dosage
  • Bronchial Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Bronchial Diseases / etiology
  • Bronchial Fistula / diagnosis*
  • Bronchial Fistula / drug therapy
  • Bronchial Fistula / etiology*
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Cartilage / pathology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Foreign Bodies / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Trachea*
  • Tracheal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Tracheal Diseases / drug therapy
  • Tracheal Diseases / etiology*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / complications*
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents