A Case of Tracheitis Sicca with Obstructive Tracheal Crusting In A 7 Year Old Boy

Abstract

Tracheitis sicca is a rare condition where there is drying and crusting of tracheal mucosa which may lead to tracheal obstruction and respiratory distress. Reported here is a case of young boy, who presented with cough, cold and respiratory distress worsening over a period of 5 days. On admission the patient was administered with dexamethasone and was intubated. However, saturation was not maintained despite assisted ventilation, and multiple episodes of self extubation always presented with stridor. Hence, otorhinolaryngology reference was taken and decision was taken to perform laryngotracheobronchoscopy. Endoscopy done showed extensive crusting in the trachea causing complete obstruction of airway above the level of carina. The crusting was meticulously removed, sent for culture, and the obstruction was relieved. The patient maintained saturation after the procedure, and was ultimately extubated and discharged.

Keywords: Sicca; Tracheal Mucosal injury; Tracheal crusting; Tracheal obstruction; Tracheitis.

Fig. 1

A Endocopic picture at the level of supraglottis and subglottis. B Complete tracheal drying and crusting, C Obstructive tracheal crust above the level of carina

Fig. 2

Trachea after removal of obstructive crust