<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> Introduction: Tracheal diverticulum has been associated with problems during endotracheal intubation but there are no reports concerning air leakage around an endotracheal tube (ETT). Case report: The case of an elderly woman under mechanical ventilatory support because an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is reported. She presented with an inexplicably air leak around the endotracheal tube not attributed to structural defects. The intra-cuff pressure value was as high as 30 mmHg to prevent an air leakage. Bronchoscopy revealed a tracheal diverticulum at the site ofthe tube cuff that allowed air leakage around it. The problem was overcome by re-intubating the patient with a larger diameter tube and positioning its distal end above the diverticular opening. Discussion: Endotracheal tube air leak is a frequently neglected problem. COPD and other inflammatory conditions are associated with changes in the elastic properties of the airways resulting in tracheomegaly or acquired tracheal diverticulum. Both entities have been linked to problems during intubation or ventilation of patients. However tracheal diverticulum has not been described previously as a cause of air leakage. Conclusion: Acquired tracheal diverticulum should be recognized as a cause of air leakage in the intubated patient, especially if associated with a normal or elevated intracuff pressure.</abstract>

Introduction: Tracheal diverticulum has been associated with problems during endotracheal intubation but there are no reports concerning air leakage around an endotracheal tube (ETT). Case report: The case of an elderly woman under mechanical ventilatory support because an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is reported. She presented with an inexplicably air leak around the endotracheal tube not attributed to structural defects. The intra-cuff pressure value was as high as 30 mmHg to prevent an air leakage. Bronchoscopy revealed a tracheal diverticulum at the site ofthe tube cuff that allowed air leakage around it. The problem was overcome by re-intubating the patient with a larger diameter tube and positioning its distal end above the diverticular opening. Discussion: Endotracheal tube air leak is a frequently neglected problem. COPD and other inflammatory conditions are associated with changes in the elastic properties of the airways resulting in tracheomegaly or acquired tracheal diverticulum. Both entities have been linked to problems during intubation or ventilation of patients. However tracheal diverticulum has not been described previously as a cause of air leakage. Conclusion: Acquired tracheal diverticulum should be recognized as a cause of air leakage in the intubated patient, especially if associated with a normal or elevated intracuff pressure.

Acquired Tracheal Diverticulum as an Unexpected Cause of Endotracheal Tube Cuff Leak

Departamento de Neumología y Medicina Interna, Hospital General Regional “Dr. Salvador Zubirán Anchondo”, Av. Colón and Teófilo Borunda 510, Col. Centro. CP 31000 Chihuahua, Chih., México

The Journal of Critical Care Medicine

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Introduction: Tracheal diverticulum has been associated with problems during endotracheal intubation but there are no reports concerning air leakage around an...

Acquired Tracheal Diverticulum as an Unexpected Cause of Endotracheal Tube Cuff Leak

Published Online: Nov 10, 2015

Page range: 171 - 173

Received: Aug 09, 2015

Accepted: Sep 08, 2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/jccm-2015-0024

Keywords
acquired tracheal diverticulum, tracheomegaly, difficult airway, intubation, endotracheal tube, air leaks, respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation

© 2015

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Acquired Tracheal Diverticulum as an Unexpected Cause of Endotracheal Tube Cuff Leak

Published Online: Nov 10, 2015

Page range: 171 - 173

Received: Aug 09, 2015

Accepted: Sep 08, 2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/jccm-2015-0024

Keywordsacquired tracheal diverticulum, tracheomegaly, difficult airway, intubation, endotracheal tube, air leaks, respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation

© 2015

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Keywords
acquired tracheal diverticulum, tracheomegaly, difficult airway, intubation, endotracheal tube, air leaks, respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation