Effect of corticosteroids on post-intubation tracheal stenosis

A 57 year old patient presented with progressive tracheal stenosis two months after intubation. An intraluminal polypoid lesion was found at the site of the cuff of the endotracheal tube. It disappeared within five days of treatment with inhaled beclomethasone. Further improvement of forced expiratory and inspiratory flow occurred after systemic corticosteroid treatment, with resolution of peritracheal oedema. Topical and systemic corticosteroids may be useful in the management of early post-intubation tracheal stenosis.