Journal article
Large endotracheal tumour presenting as severe COPD: flow–volume loop analysis, not always a straightforward diagnostic test
BMJ case reports, Vol.2018, p.bcr-2018-226430
2018
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-226430
PMCID: PMC6194418
PMID: 30317207
Abstract
The flow–volume loop (FVL) analysis is typically helpful in establishing the diagnosis of airway obstruction caused by endobronchial lesions. In this report, we describe a patient with emphysema and tobacco abuse who presented with chronic dry cough and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refractory to standard therapy. The initial FVL showed a relatively normal forced expiratory peak flow shape followed by a smooth flattening of the expiratory curve on spirometry, a pattern consistent with distal airway obstruction as seen in severe asthma or COPD. The patient was later found to have a large endotracheal mass. This atypical presentation, along with the unusual FVL, led to a significant delay in the diagnosis of the tracheal mass. A high level of suspicion is needed to diagnose variable intrathoracic airway obstruction in patients presenting with severe asthma or COPD who fail to improve with standard therapy.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Large endotracheal tumour presenting as severe COPD: flow–volume loop analysis, not always a straightforward diagnostic test
- Creators
- Iliya P Amaza - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of MedicineSwan Lee - NorthShore University HealthSystemRolando Sanchez - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- BMJ case reports, Vol.2018, p.bcr-2018-226430
- DOI
- 10.1136/bcr-2018-226430
- PMID
- 30317207
- PMCID
- PMC6194418
- ISSN
- 1757-790X
- eISSN
- 1757-790X
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2018
- Academic Unit
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine; Internal Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9984359868302771
Metrics
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