Measuring subepithelial thickness using endobronchial ultrasonography in a patient with asthma: a case report

Lung. 2003;181(3):115-20. doi: 10.1007/s00408-003-1012-3.

Abstract

The chronic inflammation of bronchial asthma is characterized by swelling of the subepithelial mucosa. However, it is difficult to assess subepithelial edema clinically. We report the case of a patient with asthma whose subepithelial edema was evaluated by endobronchial ultrasonography. Receiving montelukast 10 mg/day for 2 weeks, a 42-year-old man with mild, persistent asthma had his symptoms controlled by beta2-inhalation alone. Pretreatment endobronchial ultrasonography revealed subepithelial thickening in the right main stem bronchus, with a low absorption area suggestive of edema. Two weeks of montelukast therapy diminished the amount of subepithelial edema. Endobronchial ultrasonography is a promising technique for determining subepithelial edema in the asthmatic airway.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Asthma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bronchi / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bronchography
  • Edema / diagnostic imaging*
  • Endosonography
  • Epithelium / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed