Transmural rupture and cartilage ring fracture in a tracheobronchial tuberculosis patient

Tuberculosis (TB) tracheobronchial stenosis is considered as the worst complication of tracheobronchial TB (TBTB). Endobronchial balloon dilation (EBD) is a promising treatment for adult tracheal stenosis; however, it may be complicated by transmural rupture and cartilage ring fracture. We present a 29-year-old female with a six-month history of cough and chest pain, and three weeks of dyspnoea. She was diagnosed with TBTB with active caseous lesions and had an effective response to anti-TB treatment. Nevertheless, she suffered recurrent tracheobronchial stenosis requiring several bronchoscopic treatments, including EBD. Her eight-month follow-up bronchoscopy showed transmural rupture and cartilage ring fracture of the anterior trachea. The patient finally recovered after 18 months of conservative management. Transmural rupture and cartilage ring fracture on the anterior trachea wall without pneumomediastinum or subcutaneous emphysema in TBTB patients may be best treated with a conservative approach.