[Tracheomalacia as a cause of chronic cough]

Ugeskr Laeger. 2012 May 28;174(22):1536-7.
[Article in Danish]

Abstract

Tracheomalacia is a rare condition involving increased flaccidity of the tracheal cartilage, widening of the posterior membranous wall and a reduced airway calibre. This combination can cause a tracheal collapse, expiratory flow obstruction and decreased clearance of secretions. We present a case of a 70-year-old woman with severe coughing symptoms and obvious tracheomalacia diagnosed with a high resolution computed tomography in the expiratory phase. On a computed tomography, tracheomalacia has an easily recognizable pattern, which is only visible during expiration. Tracheomalacia is probably an underdiagnosed condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cough / etiology*
  • Exhalation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inhalation
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Tracheomalacia / complications*
  • Tracheomalacia / diagnostic imaging