Presentation
Immunocompromised patient, for screening
Patient Data
There is a large lucency projecting over the superior mediastinum on the right side on the frontal radiograph, causing mild displacement/widening of the right para-tracheal line. This correlates with likely dilation of the trachea, better appreciated on the lateral radiograph. The rest of the examination is otherwise unremarkable.
The tracheal is significantly dilated (measuring >3 cm) and associated with an outpouching/diverticulum projecting posteriorly. There is also mild dilation of the central bronchi bilaterally. These findings are in keeping with tracheobronchomegaly.
Case Discussion
Tracheomalacia is defined as tracheomegaly (increased tracheal size > 3 cm) and increased compliance (tendency of the airway to collapse on expiration), best assessed on a biphasic CT with images of the trachea obtained during inspiration and expiration.
Tracheomalacia could be secondary to congenital causes, including Mounier-Kuhn syndrome, as in this case, or other acquired causes.
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.