Multiple stents for tracheobronchomalacia caused by hydrochloric acid inhalation: a case report

Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is a rare disease characterized by excessive collapsibility of the central airways during expiration. Potential consequences and treatment courses of the aspiration of erosive agents are seldom reported. To our knowledge, this is the first report of TBM caused by hydrochloric acid inhalation, which was successfully treated by multiple airway stents insertion. A 45-year-old female presented with dyspnea and pharynx discomfort after falling into a hydrochloric acid pool. The patient was successfully treated with multiple stents insertion. In 15 months after the stents insertion, the clinical symptoms have been rapidly improved. Inhaled chemical damage may lead to TBM, while multiple airway stents insertion showed a good therapeutic effect for such special TBM.

Keywords: Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM); airway stent; case report; inhalation of dilute hydrochloric acid.