Postintubation Obstructive Pseudomembrane

Abstract

Tracheal pseudomembrane is a poorly understood and infrequently described complication from endotracheal intubation, which can lead to acute respiratory failure. Tracheal pseudomembranes generally present with symptoms of dyspnea and wheezing, making diagnosis challenging and delay in diagnosis life threatening. Here, we describe a patient with tracheal pseudomembrane after endotracheal intubation that was initially misdiagnosed as asthma and successfully treated with resection via flexible bronchoscopy. We review other conditions associated with pseudomembrane formation along with a relevant review of the literature.