Korean J Crit Care Med.  2012 Feb;27(1):55-58. 10.4266/kjccm.2012.27.1.55.

Transient Dilation of the Membranous Trachea after Endotracheal Intubation: A Case Report

• Choi S
• Lee EW
• Yun MH
• Park JY
• Kim CH
• Beom JW
• Park G

• KMID: 2301481
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2012.27.1.55

Abstract

Endotracheal intubation is a quick, simple and safe procedure for airway management and is used in various medical procedures. Many endotracheal tubes have a cuff system, which prevents aspiration and allows positive pressure ventilation. However excessive inflation of the cuff can cause mucosal ischemia with tracheal dilation which may result in tracheal rupture, or even death. Fortunately, mucosal ischemia of the trachea can be treated successfully with well-timed control of cuff pressure. It is essential for medical practitioners to be aware of these complications and to be able to manage them effectively if they arise. We present a case of diverticular-like dilation of the lower trachea detected by fiberoptic bronchoscopy that eventually improved in the hemoptysis patient after endotracheal intubation.

Keyword

complication; endotracheal intubation; tracheal dilation

MeSH Terms

Airway Management
Bronchoscopy
Hemoptysis
Humans
Inflation, Economic
Intubation, Intratracheal
Ischemia
Positive-Pressure Respiration
Rupture
Trachea