Tracheal diverticulum

Abstract

Tracheal diverticulum is a rarely encountered entity, usually discovered incidentally as an outpouching at the right side on radiography or computed tomography (CT). We present the case of a male patient with a tracheal diverticulum detected during a work-up for hemoptysis. His thoracic CT scan showed a sac formation on the right dorsolateral wall of the trachea. Flexible bronchoscopy showed a collapsed entrance to the diverticulum, which could be opened by flexible forceps. The mucosal lining of the diverticulum seemed normal, without retained secretions or blood. Although with limited clinical consequences, tracheal diverticulum must be kept in mind as a reservoir for secretions that may cause infection, and also hemoptysis if infected.