Excessive Dynamic Airway Collapse Detected Using Nondynamic CT

Intern Med. 2016;55(11):1477-9. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.55.5621. Epub 2016 Jun 1.

Abstract

Excessive dynamic airway collapse (EDAC) has been diagnosed using dynamic CT during inspiration and expiration. We herein report an asthma patient with EDAC that was detected incidentally using nondynamic CT. The patient presented with wheezing, cough and mild fever. Treatment for the asthma did not improve her wheeze. CT revealed tracheal narrowing and bulging of the posterior bronchial wall. The patient was diagnosed with EDAC by bronchoscopy. Her wheeze improved with continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Clinicians should be aware of the airway shape when performing nondynamic CT in refractory asthma patients because recognizing the existence of EDAC may help when deciding on the treatment strategy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Asthma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Asthma / physiopathology*
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Cough / physiopathology
  • Exhalation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Trachea / diagnostic imaging*
  • Trachea / physiopathology*