Intraoperative Diagnosis of "Bronchus Suis", a Variant of Tracheal Bronchus

Abstract

Bronchus suis, also known as tracheal bronchus, is a rare congenital anatomic variant in which an aberrant bronchus develops above the carina. Often asymptomatic, bronchus suis may be detected during imaging or manipulation of the airway. Here we describe a case where bronchus suis was visualized by fiberoptic bronchoscopy performed intraoperatively for the evaluation of desaturation and management of endotracheal secretions. It is important for anesthesiologists to consider the possibility of tracheal bronchus in patients with acute respiratory compromise.