Difficult intubation in a patient with carcinoma colon due to tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica: An incidental finding or otherwise

Abstract

Purpose: Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) also known as tracheopathia chondro-osteoplastica, is a rare benign chronic disease of undetermined etiology usually involving the trachea and bronchi. We describe the case of a 40-year-old male with carcinoma colon with difficult intubation who was later diagnosed to have TO. Previously also TO has been reported with carcinoma colon. Whether this is an incidental finding or the two have any correlation remains to be deciphered. Clinical features: The patient had no previous symptoms despite the presence of extensive endotracheal lesions. The patient had to be intubated with a tube that was several sizes smaller for his height and weight. Subsequent intraoperative and postoperative period was uneventful. The diagnosis of TO was confirmed by subsequent radiological and histopathological examination. Conclusion: Awareness of this entity and its anticipation in patients with colorectal carcinoma may help anesthetists to manage similar cases appropriately in the future. Also it shall help in future research being directed to this condition.

Keywords

• Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica
• Tracheopathia chondro-osteoplastica
• Difficult intubation
• Carcinoma colon