Severe Tracheal Stenosis in a Patient with History of Prolonged Intubation

ABSTRACT

Post-intubation tracheal stenosis (PiTS) is a complication that occurs in 10-22% of patients after prolonged intubation or tracheostomy. Predisposing factors include localized infection, soft tissue trauma, granulation at the site of stoma, hypotension, tracheal cartilage damage, and metabolic disorders. Despite advances in the design of endotracheal tubes and cuffs, PiTS continues to remain an undesired consequence that warrants increased attention, especially in the COVID pandemic, which has led to increased number of tracheostomies and intubations. Consequently, prompt diagnosis and management is imperative to improve patient survival and quality of life. Herein, we present a 52-year-old male with history of tracheostomy in the setting of prolonged intubation from intraparenchymal hemorrhage with subsequent decannulation who was admitted for the management of pulmonary embolism. His course was complicated by encephalopathy and acute hypercapnic respiratory failure requiring intubation. In the intensive care unit, the patient was extubated after improvement in his respiratory and mental status, however developed shortness of breath and the feeling of impending doom a few hours after extubation. Chest radiograph was obtained and suggested tracheal stenosis (Image-1A). Given this finding, follow-up urgent chest computed tomography demonstrated severe lateral collapse of the subglottic space with critical tracheal stenosis (Image-1B). There was >90% cross sectional area reduction at the site of greatest stenosis (Image-1C). The measured area at the site of greatest stenosis was noted at 0.32 cm2 (average tracheal area is 2.8-3.4 cm2). His tracheal stenosis was suspected to be secondary to his history of tracheostomy. Given these findings, patient was reintubated for airway protection and urgently underwent rigid bronchoscopy. Initially, argon plasma coagulation was used in between stenotic areas, however there was minimal improvement in the airway, requiring a silicone 18 x 14 x 14 cm Y-stent to be placed. Since stent placement, patient has required frequent bronchoscopies to assist with mucus and secretion clearing. The remainder of his hospital course was benign. PiTS is an infrequent yet important complication that clinicians must consider in individuals with a history of prolonged intubation who have sudden difficulty breathing postextubation. Prompt recognition is required to manage these patients effectively. Factors considered in the management include location, length, and the severity of the stenosis. Therefore, if 1) critical stenosis is suspected, 2) the facility is capable of resection and reconstruction, and 3) the patient has minimal comorbidities, surgery should be considered. Otherwise, bronchoscopy with stent placement can be performed.