Occurrence of post intubation tracheal stenosis within a week of intubation: A case report

Abstract

Post intubation tracheal stenosis is narrowing of tracheal lumen mainly due to endotracheal intubation associated problems. This iatrogenic complication commonly occurs after prolonged intubation. However, this case report revealed that severe tracheal stenosis could occur even after intubation last less than a week and can be misdiagnosed as bronchial asthma as first encountered with the patient. The case was 32 year old female patient who was admitted to ICU intubated for the management of status epilepticus. She was intubated for 3 days and discharged to medical ward. One month later, she experienced dyspnea and difficulty for breathing and admitted to the hospital. The three-dimensional CT scan showed trachea stenosis of 29 mm length with 8 cm wall thickness at the lower tracheal level. The stenosis was treated surgically with resection and anastomosis. This evidenced showed the occurrence of early intubation-related tracheal stenosis that mimic pulmonary problem presentation. As a conclusion if patient intubated for acceptable duration of time, patient consultation for the probability of the complications, sign and symptom and early admission will help in early treatment