Tracheal Wall Research Articles

Radiographic and computed tomographic characteristics of intraluminal tracheal adenoma in a cat.

A 13-year-old spayed female Persian cat presented with dyspnea and nasal discharge. Thoracic radiography revealed a dome-shaped soft-tissue opacity in the carina. Computed tomography confirmed a soft tissue-attenuating mass in the carina and the left and right proximal main bronchi that appeared to arise from the tracheal wall. Tracheoscopy revealed an intraluminal broad-based mass with multilobulated borders at the same location. Histopathological evaluation revealed a benign neoplastic process of the glandular epithelial lineage, which was considered an adenoma. Tracheal adenomas should be included in the differential diagnosis of tracheal masses.

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis with esophageal perforation and tracheal ulcer: a case report and literature review

BackgroundDescending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a rare and life-threatening condition, with high morbidity and mortality. Consequently, appropriate and prompt diagnosis and treatment are necessary. Herein, we report a case of esophageal perforation and bronchial ulcer secondary to DNM, for which thoracoscopic esophagectomy was performed after the failure of conservative treatment.Case presentationA 63-year-old man was diagnosed with mediastinitis affecting the posterior mediastinum after presenting with a sore throat, back pain, and dyspnea. He also had type 2 diabetes mellitus and renal failure. The patient developed septic shock the following day, and intensive treatment was initiated. The condition of the patient gradually improved; however, the laboratory data revealed that levels of C-reactive protein remained high. On day 22, the esophageal perforation was demonstrated on esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Bronchoscopy was remarkable for the ulcer on the membranous tracheal wall, though he did not go into respiratory failure. The emergency thoracoscopic esophagectomy was performed on day 27. The reconstruction surgery was performed on day 100.ConclusionsDespite the fact that the general condition is stable with conservative treatment, DNM can develop esophageal perforation. Thus, it is essential to determine the appropriate timing of surgical intervention if levels of inflammation markers continue to be high.

Pregnancy-Related Recurrent Benign Goiter With Intratracheal Extension.

This report describes the unique case of a 37-year-old pregnant patient with a history of total thyroidectomy who presented worsening dyspnea due to a recurrent benign goiter. The goiter grew through the tracheal wall and narrowed the tracheal lumen. After unsuccessful treatment with bronchodilators and corticosteroids, the patient underwent an emergency tracheostomy and cesarean section. Cervicothoracic computed tomography revealed a 4 cm mass in the left lobe of the thyroid gland with endotracheal extension in the subglottic region. Exploratory cervicectomy revealed a macroscopically resected mass that resembles the structure of the thyroid, adherent to the esophagus, anterior to the cricoid cartilage, and the trachea. Intratracheal thyroid tissue was not excised due to the increased risk of bleeding, and endoscopically guided biopsies were performed. Histopathological examination confirmed the benign nature of the thyroid tissue. A follow-up computed tomography scan after 2 months showed spontaneous regression of the intratracheal mass, and the tracheostomy tube was successfully removed without complications.

A Case Series Reflecting Airway Difficulty Challenges: Insights into Intubation and Extubation for Large Retrosternal Goitres

Retrosternal goitres, often due to longstanding thyroid enlargement, can compress critical structures like the trachea and oesophagus, necessitating thyroidectomy. Managing the airway while ensuring patient safety presents a significant challenge for anaesthesiologists. This case series explores the complex airway management in three patients with large retrosternal goitres undergoing total thyroidectomy. The patients, aged 50, 60, and 73, presented with long-standing neck swelling, tracheal deviation and symptoms including breathlessness, dysphagia and hoarseness of voice. The goitres had progressively enlarged over many years, leading to significant tracheal compression and deviation, which posed a high-risk for airway obstruction during surgery. Given these challenges, Awake Fiberoptic Intubation (AFOI) was chosen to secure the airway while minimising the risk of airway loss. AFOI was performed under conscious sedation with dexmedetomidine and local anaesthesia, providing effective intubation with minimal discomfort and stable haemodynamics. This approach was critical in managing the anticipated difficult airway due to the retrosternal extension of the goitres and their impact on surrounding structures. Postoperatively, the patients were kept intubated to prevent tracheomalacia, a potential complication arising from prolonged tracheal compression. Tracheomalacia, characterised by the weakening of tracheal walls, can lead to airway collapse after extubation. To ensure airway stability, extubation was delayed until a satisfactory cuff-leak test was performed 24-36 hours after surgery. This case series emphasises the importance of careful preoperative planning and the use of AFOI in managing patients with large retrosternal goitres to avoid a ‘can’t intubate, can’t ventilate’ situation. The successful management of these cases highlights the effectiveness of AFOI in reducing perioperative risks and ensuring patient safety, particularly in scenarios where difficult airway management is anticipated. By implementing appropriate postoperative protocols, the risk of complications such as tracheomalacia can be significantly reduced, leading to improved surgical outcomes.

Puncture dilatation tracheostomy in children during transoral neurosurgical interventions

To describe a modified technique of video-assisted percutaneous dilation tracheostomy using additional thin guide and dilator in children of primary school age. We considered 11 patients aged 6-12 years who underwent video-assisted percutaneous dilation tracheostomy. There were no perioperative complications (bleeding, false course, perforation of posterior tracheal wall). Infection of tracheostomy, fistulas or tracheal stenosis was absent. Percutaneous dilation tracheostomy may be alternative to classical surgical tracheostomy for pediatric patients. Endoscopic control and certain technical changes of percutaneous tracheostomy are necessary and provide safe manipulation. Surgery time, less trauma and minimal cosmetic defect after tracheostomy are significant advantages of this technique compared to surgical tracheostomy.

The use of the dura mater at the final stage of reconstructive plastic surgical treatment of cicatricial stenosis of the larynx and trachea

The article presents an analysis of the plastic reconstructive surgery effectiveness for patients with an extended tracheal defect using an allograft based on the dura mater (DM) at the final stage of surgical treatment of laryngeal and tracheal cicatricial stenosis. The study included 20 patients with cicatricial stenosis of the larynx and trachea, who were previously performed plastic reconstructive treatment with scar tissue excision in the lumen of the respiratory tract and restoration of the supporting frame of the larynx and trachea using allografts based on costal allocartilage. The age of the patients ranged from 21 to 54 years, the duration of the disease was from 1 to 5 years. After a standard clinical and laboratory examination, with a mandatory video endoscopic examination of the larynx and trachea, multislice computed tomography of the larynx and trachea, patients underwent plastic closure of the tracheal defect using DM. Dynamic outpatient monitoring was carried out once a week for 1 month, once a month for 3 months, control examination was done 6 months after surgical treatment. The results of the study demonstrated a full-fledged social and labor rehabilitation of all 20 patients after the final stage of surgical treatment using DM, the absence of rejection reaction and migration of allo-implantation material, the preserved lumen of the larynx and trachea with a rigid supporting skeleton and the absence of anterior tracheal wall floatation. The use of DM as an additional strengthening of the anterior tracheal wall for patients with deficiency of muscular aponeurotic tissues and more than 2 cm size tracheal defect is highly effective at the final stage of surgical treatment for plastic closure of the tracheal defect.

Tracheobronchial Diverticulosis.

Teaching point: Tracheal diverticulosis is a rare and benign disorder, characterized by single or multiple tracheal wall outpouchings, either congenital or acquired, usually diagnosed incidentally on chest high‑resolution computed tomography, and in general remaining asymptomatic.

Conservative treatment of iatrogenic tracheal rupture (clinical case)

The objective was to demonstrate a clinical case of iatrogenic injury of the trachea, which, despite its large size (length 65, width up to 25 mm), wastreated conservatively and, thus, avoided risks for the patient associated with the need for technically complex surgical intervention.Materials and methods. A 65-year-old patient diagnosed with peripheral cancer of the lower lobe of the left lung pT2aN0M0 stage IB, who routinely underwent thoracoscopic left lower lobectomy with mediastinal lymph node dissection. During anesthesia, tracheal intubation with a double-lumen tube of the R. Shaw type was carried out with technical difficulties; during intubation, a defect in the posterior wall of the trachea in its membranous part was formed. The defect was diagnosed on the first postoperative day.Results. Despite the large size of the tracheal defect, the patient had no symptoms of respiratory failure, and there were also no signs of mediastinitis or damage to the esophagus, which almost completely covered the resulting hole in the posterior wall of the trachea. Such circumstances made it possible to avoid a potentially dangerous and complex surgical intervention, carry out conservative therapy and wait for the resulting defect to heal through granulation tissue. Enhanced antimicrobial therapy was carried out; in order to sanitize the tracheobronchial tree and monitor healing, fiber-optic bronchoscopy was performed, which made it possible to clearly demonstrate both the damage itself and the stages of its healing.Conclusions. The described case clearly demonstrates the potential for healing of even very extensive tracheal wall defects with conservative therapy. However, it is important to note that success in this clinical case was the result of a combination of circumstances – only the membranous part of the trachea was damaged; the defect was almost completely covered by the intact esophagus, which reduced the risk of developing mediastinitis and prevented the development of severe pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. There were no signs of respiratory failure. The patient was transferred from the intensive care unit on the 13th day of the postoperative period, discharged from the hospital on the 22nd day.

Functional and nonfunctional parathyroid carcinoma: two case reports and literature review

Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is a rare malignant endocrine tumor. It can be divided into functional and non-functional types according to the tumor’s ability to secrete parathyroid hormone. Herein, we present a case each of functional and nonfunctional PC. Case 1: Functional PC. The main clinical symptoms were high parathyroid hormone and hypercalcemia with bone injury and other complications. The mass was large, capsulated, and showed vascular invasion. The tumor was surgically removed, along with a part of the tracheal wall and recurrent laryngeal nerve that were invaded by the tumor. The ipsilateral and isthmus thyroid lobe and central lymph nodes were also removed. Medicines were given to lower blood calcium. The patient died 18 months after surgery because of severe pulmonary infection and tracheal stenosis. Case 2: Non-functional PC. The patient showed no obvious clinical symptoms, but physical examination revealed a thyroid nodule. Despite the small diameter, the mass still invaded the surrounding thyroid lobe, fat, and muscle tissue. Surgery was performed to remove the tumor and ipsilateral thyroid lobe and central lymph nodes. The patient survived without recurrence or metastasis. Thus, we believe that the prognosis of PC negatively correlates with the scope of surgery. Early surgery can improve patient prognosis, and physical examination is conducive to early detection of PC. Herein, we provide a description of the diagnostic workup and the treatment approach and review relevant studies. We summarize the clinicopathological characteristics of PC cases to provide evidence for early diagnosis and therapy, to improve patient prognosis.

Postoperative sore throat: prophylaxis and treatment

Postoperative sore throat (POST) is one of the most reported complications after general anesthesia with an incidence of as high as 60% which may impact patient satisfaction and increase the cost of treatment. The aim of this review is to summarize the currently accepted approaches and new trends intended to reduce the risk and increase the treatment efficacy of POST. Difficult intubation, traumatic intubation, and several other factors contribute to the development of POST. Endotracheal intubation using a stylet-loaded tube exerts excessive pressure on the anterior tracheal wall predisposing to mucosal trauma and contributing to development of POST. Pharmacological interventions are aimed at prevention, amelioration of symptoms, and treatment of POST. Medications suggested for this purpose include corticosteroids, topical sprays and creams, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. The use of video-laryngoscopes (VL) for endotracheal intubation improves the glottic view and increases the success rates with less force required to ensure adequate laryngoscopic view. Nevertheless, despite advances in laryngoscopic devices, the incidence of POST remains high. A novel intubation technique with endotracheal tube (ETT) rotation 180 degrees (ETT 180°) has been suggested to overcome stylet related injury and, possibly, decrease the POST. To date, no clinical trials have been conducted to test the efficacy of ETT 180° in reducing the incidence of POST. Undoubtedly, the suggested method deserves further investigation to determine its role in patient care.

Biomechanical Evaluation of Tracheal Needle Puncture Forces: Comparative Analysis of Annular Ligaments and Tracheal Cartilage.

Percutaneous tracheotomies (PCT) are commonly performed minimally invasive procedures involving the creation of an airway opening through an incision or puncture of the tracheal wall. While the medical intervention is crucial for critical care and the management of acute respiratory failure, tracheostomy complications can lead to severe clinical symptoms due to the alterations of the airways biomechanical properties/structures. The causes and mechanisms underlaying the development of these post-tracheotomy complications remain largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the needle puncture process and its biomechanical characteristics by using a well establish porcine ex vivo trachea to simulate the forces involved in accessing airways during PCT at varying angular approaches. Given that many procedures involve inserting a needle into the trachea without direct visualization of the tracheal wall, concerns have been raised over the needle punctures through the cartilaginous rings as compared to the space between them may result in fractured cartilage and post-tracheostomy airway complications. We report a difference in puncture force between piercing the cartilage and the annular ligaments and observe that the angle of puncture does not significantly alter the puncture forces. The data collected in this study can guide the design of relevant biomechanical feedback system during airway access procedures and ultimately help refine and optimize PCT.

Anaesthetic management of a bleeding intratracheal mass

A long-standing thyroid mass can have varied presentation depending on the metabolic, compressive or invasive symptoms. The most apparent symptom of thyroid mass is goitre, which if ignored can prove to be catastrophic as in our case. It is uncommon for thyroid mass to present as airway bleeding. However, a patient with long standing goitre presented with frank hemoptysis to our hospital. Radiological study revealed a thyroid mass, infiltrating the tracheal wall and extending into the tracheal lumen. A bleeding intratracheal mass presents a multifactorial challenge to an anaesthetist. Authors present anaesthetic management of a case of infiltrating thyroid malignancy presenting as a bleeding intratracheal mass. The haemostasis and airway patency were restored until definitive surgery was planned. The need for tracheostomy could be avoided in this case. A meticulously planned airway management along with multi-disciplinary approach are important for management of bleeding intratracheal mass.

Sternohyoid or sternocleidomastoid muscle flap for tracheoesophageal puncture closure in irradiated patients: A CARE case series

IntroductionA novel technique for tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) closure is described in which the sternohyoid muscles are rotated and interposed between the tracheal and esophageal walls. The results of this technique are reported, following CARE guidelines, and compared with those obtained using the sternocleidomastoid flap. A literature review on the techniques previously described for TEP closure in irradiated patients is presented. Case seriesThe novel technique was performed in six patients in whom the infrahyoid muscles were preserved during total laryngectomy. All received adjuvant radiotherapy. Successful closure was achieved in three cases; in one case a small leak was noted after initial closure and was successfully managed with simple sutures; and the other two failures occurred in patients with diabetes. The sternocleidomastoid flap was performed in five patients (only one with previous radiation) and success was achieved in two patients. In another patient a micro-fistular orifice appeared six months after the operation. DiscussionThe sternohyoid muscles pose a low morbidity alternative to be considered in surgical TEP closure. Patient selection is a key factor to surgical success, and this technique should be reserved for small to moderate size fistulas and in the absence of multiple impaired wound healing conditions.

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica: a case report highlighting the importance of clinico-radiologic correlation

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TBPO) is a rare and benign idiopathic disease of the tracheobronchial tree, characterized by osseous, and/or cartilaginous submucosal nodules involving the anterior and lateral walls of the airways with sparing of the posterior wall. We present a case of a 51-year-old non-smoker female, presenting with a 2-year history of gradually enlarging anterior neck mass with foreign body sensation, frequent throat clearing, and occasional hoarseness. She was initially diagnosed with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis due to the presence of nodules on flexible laryngoscopy. A plain neck and chest CT then showed irregularity of the tracheal walls with calcified nodules projecting into the lumen, sparing the posterior wall, consistent with TBPO. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy with biopsy was also done which confirmed the inferior extent of the nodules down to the level of the carina, and the presence of fragments of mature bone tissue within the nodules.

Effect of Uneven Microclimates in Poultry Yards on the Respiratory System of Poultry

The respiratory system of birds is maximally adapted to the high efficiency of air exchange necessary to maintain an increased level of metabolic processes. The mucus of the respiratory tract plays an important role in mucociliary clearance, in the normal state of the respiratory system, without allergic and inflammatory reactions, an increase in the amount of mucus and the structures that produce it can be interpreted as a positive fact, but too much mucus can be a response to mucosal irritation and contributes to airway obstruction. As a result of two studies repeating each other, the dependence of the state of the tracheal wall in Ross-308 cross broilers on air circulation in industrial premises was confirmed. Ensuring the circulation of air flows in poultry rearing halls has a positive effect on the histological and histochemical structure of the trachea. In the first experiment, this is reliably evidenced by an increase in the thickness of the epithelial layer by 1.3 times (by 23.3%) and the height of the cilia by 3.1 times (by 67.5%). In the second experiment, this is confirmed by an increase in the height of the epithelium by 40% and the height of the cilia layer by 70%. In addition, the histological picture of the mucosa corresponds to the norm, there are no violations of the integrity of the epithelium, the cilia are smooth, without deformations and creases. With the provision of air circulation in closed rooms in the first experiment, the thickness of the tracheal mucosa decreases by 2.6 times (by 61.9%), and its own plate by 2.9 times (by 65.4%). In the second experiment, no such pattern was found in the own plate, but destructive changes in the tracheal mucosa, an increase in the number of glycoproteins and proteoglycans in the experimental groups confirm the influence of the ventilation factor.

TRACHEITIS IN LOCAL CAT

Tracheitis is the occurrence of inflammation of the walls of the tracheal canal which is usually caused by trauma and infection with pathogenic agents (viruses, bacteria, parasites). The purpose of writing this article is to find out how to diagnose, treat and successfully treat cases of tracheitis in local cats. A local cat named Popo, a 1 year old male with a weight of 4.1 kg and characteristics of orange hair, has been showing clinical symptoms of coughing and sneezing since a month ago with mucopurulent nasal discharge and sneezing exudate with blood, and blepharitis. Around the owner's yard there is a garbage burning. On clinical examination, there was a dull sound to percussion and moist rales on auscultation on the dorso-cranial part of the thorax. On haematological examination, the case cat had lymphocytosis and anemia. On radiographic examination there is an increase in the opacity of the tracheal lumen and thickening of the tracheal wall. In bacterial culture with blood agar media, no bacterial growth was found. Based on the history, clinical examination and supporting examination, the case cat was diagnosed with tracheitis with a faustaan ​​prognosis. Therapy is given by injection of Dexamethasone 1 mg/ml (Dexatozoon®, PT. Wonderindo Pharmatama, Jakarta, Indonesia) at a dose of 0.5 ml SC q24h, Dexamethasone tablets 0.5 mg (Dexaharsen®, PT. Harsen, Jakarta, Indonesia) at a dose of 1 tablet PO q24h for 6 days. Supportive therapy is given with Vitamin B12 50 mcg (Vitamin B12 IPI®, PT. Supra Ferbindo Farma, Bekasi, Indonesia) at a dose of 1 tablet PO q24h for 14 days. After seven days post-treatment, the case cat has improved marked by coughing and sneezing has Improved. Suggestion to the owner is that the cat is kept away from the smoke of burning garbage.

Anomalies in the development of the tracheobronchial tree (clinical case)

According to the International Classification of Diseases the trachebronchial tree (TBT) anomalies are grouped into class XVII “Congenital anomalies (malformations), deformities and chromosomal disorders” (Q30–Q34, namely Q32.1 – “Other malformations of the trachea”).This paper presents a clinical case of congenital anomaly of TBT. Patient M., 18 years old, diagnosis of ICD-10 J90 Pleural effusion, not classified elsewhere, was referred from the pulmonology department to perform bronchoscopy for differential diagnosis with pulmonary tuberculosis. When the device was passed through the trachea, in the lower third towards the right main bronchus, a diverticuloid protrusion of the tracheal wall with deformation of the cartilaginous ring was found.Results and discussions. After examination, the conclusion was formed: Anomaly in the development of the lower third of the trachea (reduced tracheal bronchus on the right). Anomalies in the development of TBT are an extremely rare pathology, the pathology we describe is called “tracheal bronchus”. The tracheal bronchus, the rarest malformation of TBT with a frequency of no more than 1–2 % of cases, is the result of dysontogenesis. It is usually located on the right side of the trachea and may end blindly in the form of a diverticulum. In our description, there is no other anomaly of the TBT, so it can be attributed to the supernumerary variant of the tracheal bronchus. When anomalies in the development of TBT are detected, it is necessary to carry out differential diagnostics with tracheal diverticula, in which only its membranous part suffers.Conclusions. The clinical case we are describing refers to a supernumerary variant of the tracheal bronchus and requires the additional use of high-tech verification methods. We do not exclude that the environmental factors in the city of Zheleznogorsk could be the cause of its development.

The impact of endotracheal intubation on oxygen delivery, trachea pressure and wall deformation

This paper concerns improving endotracheal tube (ETT) insertion through advanced computational science modelling. The study aims to better understand endotracheal intubation (ETI) and reduce medical errors in intensive and critical care units since ETT insertion is unique for each patient, depending on age, gender, size, physiology, and underlying health conditions. We have employed computational fluid dynamics and biomechanics modelling to investigate the effect of ETT for three ventilation modes on (a) local oxygen delivery to the lungs, (b) air pressure and wall shear stress at the tracheal walls, and (c) oscillatory elastic deformation of the tracheal tissues and muscle. For the first time, we reveal how the ventilation mode and ETT insertion in the trachea may induce major complications, especially in long periods of ETT. We show that rotating the ETT or displacing it by 2 mm only can induce a significant rise in the tracheal pressure up to 177 cmH2O. This study, for the first time, shows the vital role of computers in biology and medicine to provide enhanced decision-making-support to clinicians and medical doctors dealing with ETI.

Addressing desaturation in a tracheal stenosis patient using the transnasal humidified rapid-insufflation ventilatory exchange technique during tracheostomy: A case report.

Transnasal humidified rapid-insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE) is used in tracheostomy but not in cases of airway obstruction. This case report explores the use of THRIVE for managing airway obstruction during tracheostomy in patients with subglottic and tracheal stenosis, thereby addressing the current knowledge gap and exploring its potential for airway management. A 63-year-old female with subglottic and tracheal stenoses underwent tracheostomy. Multiple attempts to establish a patent airway were unsuccessful, and oxygen saturation dropped to 56%. Endotracheal tube was directed toward the tracheal wall, causing airway obstruction. THRIVE was administered to the patient. Subsequently, the tube position was adjusted to enhance ventilation. The patient's oxygen saturation increased to 99%. The postoperative complications, including subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and pneumopericardium, resolved. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 9. THRIVE could be considered a temporary measure to enhance oxygenation before initiating a definitive treatment strategy.

Use of an autologous dermal flap and rib cartilage graft in the repair of a large tracheoesophageal fistula with tracheal stenosis.

Management of large tracheoesophageal fistulas complicated by tracheal stenosis remains challenging as it requires an ideal replacement for the membranous defect as well as a permanent buttress to reconstruct the stenotic segment. We present the successful use of an autologous free dermal flap reinforced with a pedicled pectoralis major muscle to repair the tracheal membranous wall and a rib cartilage graft to enlarge the tracheal lumen.