[Tracheobronchitis as an extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn's disease]

Abstract

A 27-year-old woman with Crohn's disease, who had sustained clinical remission for two years following treatment with mesalazine and nutrition therapy, was admitted to our hospital complaining of dry cough, mild dysphagia, and slight fever. A computed tomography of the chest demonstrated an increase in the thickness of the tracheal wall. Bronchoscopy showed a diffusely erythematous and edematous mucosa with whitish granular lesions in the trachea and main carina. Bronchial biopsy specimens showed epithelioid cell granuloma. We diagnosed tracheobronchitis as an extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn's disease. She was treated with 40mg/day prednisolone. Her symptoms improved immediately. However, dry cough recurred two months after prednisolone treatment, and further treatment with inhaled steroids was prescribed. Tracheobronchial involvement in Crohn's disease is rare, with only 13 cases having been reported. Tracheal involvement should be considered in Crohn's disease patients with respiratory symptoms.