Tracheal diverticulum as a rare cause of dysphagia

Abstract

Tracheal diverticula are rare benign entities characterized by small air-filled invaginations in the paratracheal area. They may be single or multiple, and usually present with nonspecific symptoms. Ideally, computed tomography imaging studies are used to confirm the diagnosis, followed by surgical resection as the treatment of choice. We present the case of a woman with an acquired tracheal diverticulum, with dysphagia as the only presenting symptom.

Chronic Cough Revealing a Tracheal Diverticulum: A Case Report

“…TD is a rare type of paratracheal air cyst with an estimated prevalence of 1-4% [6,7]. Results on gender predominance are still not unified, as several studies have found that tracheal diverticulum is more widespread in women [8,9], while others have reported a higher prevalence in men [7].…”

Multiple Tracheal Diverticula in a COVID-19 Positive Patient

“…The entrapment of mucus and secretions leads to recurrent respiratory infections, with fever, cough, hemoptysis, and stridor. 1,7,8,13 In more serious cases, patients can present with a paratracheal abscess, dyspnea, and spontaneous pneumomediastinum due to rupture of a diverticulum. 8 Finally, intubation of a patient with TDs can be challenging and special care should be taken to position the tracheal tube properly.…”

“…8 Finally, intubation of a patient with TDs can be challenging and special care should be taken to position the tracheal tube properly. 1,6,14 Differential diagnosis includes pharyngocele, laryngocele, Zenker's diverticulum, pulmonary hernia, apical paraseptal bullae and blebs, mediastinal mass, and intrathyroid tumor. 3,6,7 A chest CT with 1 mm slices, multiplanar and 3D reconstructed images can confirm the diagnosis.…”

“…Finally, barium studies and fiberoptic esophagoscopy can help during the differential diagnosis. 1,6 The treatment of TDs depends upon the patient's age, clinical presentation, history, and comorbidities. 1,6,7,10 On the one hand, asymptomatic and elderly patients are observed and treated conservatively with antibiotics, mucolytic agents, bronchodilators, and physiotherapy.…”

Anesthetic management of thoracoscopic pulmonary wedge resection with a giant tracheal diverticulum in the carina: a case report and review of the literature

“…A small percentage of patients present with cough, recurrent respiratory infections, hoarseness, or dyspnea. 4,8,9 A TD is an uncommon anatomical abnormality that can cause serious complications during general anesthesia and tracheal intubation, such as difficulty intubating or ventilating. 10 We searched the literature for incidental findings of TDs in mechanically ventilated patients with associated adverse outcomes.…”