[A case of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with acquired tracheobronchomalacia]

Acquired tracheobronchomalacia is often overlooked because the symptoms are similar to those of chronic obstructive lung disease. A 55-year-old man underwent an emergency CABG because of unstable angina pectoris. CABG was performed uneventfully. On the third day after operation, severe cough and dyspnea were persisted, followed by the episode of ventricular fibilliration. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was necessary. CT scan of the chest showed crescent narrow deformity from the lower trachea to the right main bronchus. Bronchoscopic examination revealed 90% stenosis of the trachea during coughing, and edematous tracheal mucosa. Acquired tracheobronchomalacia is an illness of the middle-aged and the elderly and tends to be progressive. Recently, because the patients for CABG have become older, tracheobronchomalacia should be taken into consideration.