Development of Obstructive Fibrinous Tracheal Pseudomembrane After a Traumatic Intubation

Abstract

Stridor can be associated with a variety of etiologies as a sign of upper airway obstruction. From malignancy of the airway to trauma secondary to intubation, stridor is a cause for concern of impending obstruction. Obstructive fibrinous tracheal pseudomembrane (OFTP) is an uncommon cause of airway obstruction. OFTP is a condition with unclear pathophysiology which causes a subacute presentation of stridor usually in the post-extubation period. In the case report our patient developed a pseudomembrane post-traumatic intubation that grew Hemophilus parainfluenza. This is the first case reported of OFTP associated with Hemophilus parainfluenza growth.