[A rare cause of stridor in a 59 year old woman in intensive care]

Y Gernez; D Breen; J-M Peloni; B Meric; H Dutau

doi:10.1016/s0761-8425(08)74355-9

[A rare cause of stridor in a 59 year old woman in intensive care]

Rev Mal Respir. 2008 Sep;25(7):871-4. doi: 10.1016/s0761-8425(08)74355-9.

[Article in French]

Authors

Y Gernez¹, D Breen, J-M Peloni, B Meric, H Dutau

Affiliation

¹ Unité d'Endoscopie thoracique, Pôle Cardiovasculaire et Thoracique, Hôpital Sainte Marguerite, Marseille. [email protected]

PMID: 18946415
DOI: 10.1016/s0761-8425(08)74355-9

Abstract

Introduction: Stridor in the post extubation period occurs frequently and is most commonly caused by laryngeal oedema. During this period, the trachea can also be obstructed by pseudomembranes.

Case report: We report the case of a 59 year old woman who required re-intubation, 15 days after extubation because of the acute onset of severe respiratory distress secondary to pseudomembranes in her trachea.

Conclusion: It is essential that physicians who care for patients during the post extubation period are aware of this severe and life threatening cause of stridor. Definitive treatment with the rigid bronchoscope allows for rapid recanalisation of the airway.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Bronchoscopes
Critical Care
Female
Humans
Intubation, Intratracheal / adverse effects*
Middle Aged
Radiography, Thoracic
Respiratory Distress Syndrome / etiology*
Respiratory Sounds / etiology*
Time Factors
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Trachea* / diagnostic imaging
Ventilator Weaning