CTICasesLateral Tracheal Collapse (Post-Tracheostomy Stenosis)
▶ Watch on YouTube — age-restricted, cannot embed here
Imaging findings
CT images show a tight, focal tracheal narrowing just below the thoracic inlet, which is narrowed sideways. Comparison scans obtained at different inspiratory phases demonstrate increased narrowing in the transverse diameter (lateral collapse) during expiration, rather than the typical anterior-posterior collapse seen in tracheomalacia.
Key takeaways
This is an interesting example of lateral or circumferential tracheal collapse, which has been described following tracheostomy and tracheal stenosis. Unlike the more common anterior-posterior collapse of tracheomalacia, this pattern results in narrowing primarily in the transverse diameter, presumably due to focal airway weakness. Dynamic imaging during respiration can help characterize this.
AI-assisted summary — may contain errors. Verify against the source video. Learn more
More from this webinar
- Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP) and Companion CMV PneumoniaInfection
- Pseudoaneurysm at Cannulation Site Post-CABGVascular
- Fungating Soft Tissue Chloroma with Lung Nodules/InfiltrationNeoplastic
- Posterior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation (Left)Trauma
- Chondrosarcoma of RibNeoplastic
- Constrictive Bronchiolitis in Rheumatoid ArthritisAutoimmune
- Esophageal Perforation (Post-Stent)Iatrogenic
- Tracheoesophageal Fistula (Post-Radiation for Tracheal SCC)Iatrogenic
See all cases from August 28, 2015 →
Related Iatrogenic cases
- Retained Wires from First-Generation Defibrillator
- Arterial Central Venous Catheter Placement (into aorta) via IJ and Subclavian Vein
- Retained Suction Catheter Tip (Intraoperative Foreign Body)
- Bilateral Capnothorax Post Heller Myotomy and Nissen Fundoplication
- Myocardial Perforation by Pacemaker Lead with Insulation Disruption
- Iatrogenic NG Tube Malposition with Mediastinal and Pleural Perforation