Recurrent tracheal tumor with a critical airway requiring 'Y' stent - unique presentation of tuberculosis

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis. 2021 Mar 31;91(3). doi: 10.4081/monaldi.2021.1578.

Abstract

Tracheal tumor is a rare entity. Tracheal tumor may be a primary tracheal tumor or secondary to invasion from a mediastinal tumor (or a lymph node). These tumors are prone to cause critical airway obstruction which may require urgent care. Tuberculosis is one of the common differential diagnoses of mediastinal lymphadenopathy in TB endemic countries, though isolated tuberculous mediastinal lymphadenopathy without a lung involvement is rare. We report an extremely rare case of isolated paratracheal lymphadenitis due to tuberculosis, eroding the trachea and presented a lower tracheal tumor, which recurred again after complete debulking. Finally, the disease required a 'Y' stent placement, to stabilize the airway following the second recanalization. We discuss the incidence, differential diagnosis, and the bronchoscopic, interventional aspects of this entity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Stents
  • Trachea / diagnostic imaging
  • Trachea / surgery
  • Tracheal Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Tracheal Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Tuberculosis, Lymph Node*