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Flow-volume loop abnormality detecting a previously unrecognized right upper lobe tracheal bronchus
oleh: Shannon Ruzycki, Willis H. Tsai, Warren J. Davidson
Format: | Article |
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Diterbitkan: | Elsevier 2015-01-01 |
Deskripsi
Tracheal bronchus is a rare anatomic variant in which a bronchus originates from the trachea. Patients may be asymptomatic or present with a variety of respiratory symptoms. We present a case of a patient who presented with a history of poorly controlled asthma and a persistent abnormality of the flow-volume loop. Bronchoscopy revealed a tracheal bronchus with narrowed right-sided bronchial orifices. An unrecognized tracheal bronchus may result in serious complications during elective or emergent endotracheal intubation. Spirometry testing may reveal abnormalities of the flow-volume loop associated with altered airflow. Relying on spirometric values without assessing the shape of the flow-volume loop may lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate management of lung pathology.