[A rare tracheal tumour: solitary fibroma]

Solitary fibromas are rare anatomo-pathological entities, described initially in the pleural cavity. The mesenchymal origin of these tumours explains their widespread distribution.

The authors report a case of solitary fibroma of the trachea in a woman of 30 years of age, presenting as acute respiratory distress and preceded by a 2 year history of episodes of dyspnoea diagnosed as unstable asthma. CT and MRI imaging showed evidence of a localised tracheal tumour without mediastinal infiltration. The images and macroscopic appearances were non-specific. Bronchoscopic resection of the tumour gave immediate relief of the symptoms. Histology, which was positive for anti-CD34 antibodies and negative for epithelial, muscular and neurological markers, led to a diagnosis of solitary fibroma with no evidence of malignancy.

To our knowledge, this observation is the first description of a primary solitary fibroma localised to the trachea. The clinical and radiological features are no different from those of other tracheal tumours. After excision, the prognosis is good but long-term follow-up is necessary on account of the risk of local recurrence or metastasis.