[A woman with excessive dynamic airway collapse]

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Respiratory Medicine
• Anatomy

Background:

• Excessive dynamic airway collapse (EDAC) is a condition characterized by the collapse of the posterior tracheal wall during respiration.
• Unlike other forms of tracheomalacia, EDAC specifically affects the posterior aspect, sparing the anterior cartilaginous rings.

Observation:

• An 80-year-old female presented with acute onset dyspnea and severe inspiratory and expiratory stridor.
• Investigations revealed tracheal narrowing originating from the posterior wall, consistent with EDAC.
• The patient was admitted for observation, and her symptoms resolved spontaneously within four days without intervention.

Findings:

• EDAC can present with significant respiratory symptoms, including stridor.
• Despite severe symptoms, EDAC may be transient and resolve without specific treatment.
• Bronchoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing EDAC.

Implications:

• EDAC symptoms can be misdiagnosed as common respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD.
• Prompt diagnosis via bronchoscopy is crucial for appropriate management.
• Treatment strategies for EDAC should be tailored to symptom severity.