Korean J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.  2012 Mar;32(1):61-65.

Idiopathic Tracheobronchial Stricture in a Patient with Asthma Mimicking-Symptoms

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Asthma is characterized by the symptoms of breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness and cough, and variable airflow limitations that are reversible spontaneously or with treatment. The symptoms may be exacerbated by aggravating factors, such as exercise. CASE HISTORY: A 45 year old female patient presented at our clinic with breathlessness, chest tightness, wheezing and cough, especially during and after exercise. She visited regional hospitals, had undergone diagnostic bronchial provocation tests with methacholine and exercise, and had received medical treatments for asthma.
RESULTS
At presentation, spirometry exhibited an abnormal flow-volume curve, which was confirmed as large airway narrowing by chest computed tomography and bronchoscopic examination. Pathologic examination revealed focal calcification under the normal airway surface without inflammation.
CONCLUSION
We report the case of idiopathic tracheobronchial stricture in a patient with asthma-mimicking symptoms.

MeSH Terms

Asthma
Bronchi
Bronchial Provocation Tests
Constriction, Pathologic
Cough
Female
Humans
Methacholine Chloride
Respiratory Sounds
Spirometry
Thorax
Trachea
Methacholine Chloride