Obstructive fibrinous tracheal pseudomembrane

Abstract

Obstructive fibrinous tracheal pseudomembrane (OFTP) is a relatively rare cause of failed extubation. OFTP may be more common than described in the literature. OFTP results from ischemic injury to tracheal mucosa and may be the initial stage of the development of tracheal stenosis. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent re intubation and mortality. We present a rare case of OFTP. The patient was intubated for 3 days for asthma exacerbation and was appropriately discharged. The patient was seen the second time in the emergency room and was treated for asthma exacerbation on the same day. Because of persistent symptoms after 3 days, CT scan of the chest was performed, which indicated necrotizing tracheitis with gas formation within the tracheal wall. Bronchoscopy showed no evidence of necrosis, but there was a thick white plaque toughly adherent to the tracheal wall.