title: Flow-volume loop abnormality detecting a previously unrecognized right upper lobe tracheal bronchus.
abstract: Tracheal bronchus is a rare anatomic variant in which a bronchus originates from the trachea. Patients may be asymptomatic or present with a variety of respiratory symptoms. We present a case of a patient who presented with a history of poorly controlled asthma and a persistent abnormality of the flow-volume loop. Bronchoscopy revealed a tracheal bronchus with narrowed right-sided bronchial orifices. An unrecognized tracheal bronchus may result in serious complications during elective or emergent endotracheal intubation. Spirometry testing may reveal abnormalities of the flow-volume loop associated with altered airflow. Relying on spirometric values without assessing the shape of the flow-volume loop may lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate management of lung pathology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Shannon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ruzycki
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada ; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Willis H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada ; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Warren J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Davidson
keywords: Flow-volume loop; Spirometry; Tracheal bronchus