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Published on: June 6, 2020
Obstructive fibrinous pseudomembrane tracheitis after double-lumen tube intubation -a case report
Jia-Hui Chua1, Brenda Ling Hui Sim2, Tina Koh Puay Theng3
1Division of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
Background:
Obstructive fibrinous pseudomembrane tracheitis (OFPT) is a rare complication of endotracheal intubation.
Case:
We describe the case of a 73-year-old woman who underwent short-term intubation for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and developed an acute life-threatening stridor two days after extubation. The patient required an emergency tracheostomy to maintain airway patency and a microscopic direct laryngoscopy procedure was performed thereafter with removal of the obstructive pseudomembrane. Subsequently, the patient also suffered a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The patient successfully recovered, and the tracheostomy was subsequently decannulated two months later. Histological examination revealed mucosal ulcerations and inflammatory changes.
Conclusions:
OFPT is an uncommon cause of life-threatening airway obstruction after extubation that is not often recognized immediately but can usually be treated with early bronchoscopic intervention or microscopic direct laryngoscopy.
Insights
Obstructive fibrinous pseudomembrane tracheitis (OFPT) is a rare but serious complication following endotracheal intubation. Early diagnosis and intervention, such as laryngoscopy, are crucial for managing this life-threatening airway obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Critical Care
Background:
- Obstructive fibrinous pseudomembrane tracheitis (OFPT) is a rare complication associated with endotracheal intubation.
- This condition can lead to acute, life-threatening airway obstruction.
Observation:
- A case is presented of a 73-year-old woman who developed severe stridor two days post-extubation after short-term intubation for surgery.
- The patient required an emergency tracheostomy to secure the airway.
Findings:
- Microscopic direct laryngoscopy successfully removed the obstructive pseudomembrane.
- Histological examination confirmed mucosal ulcerations and inflammatory changes consistent with OFPT.
- The patient also experienced a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction but recovered fully.
Implications:
- OFPT is an underrecognized cause of post-extubation airway emergencies.
- Early bronchoscopic intervention or microscopic direct laryngoscopy are effective treatment modalities.
- Prompt management is vital for patient recovery and preventing fatal airway compromise.
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