Tracheal schwannoma presenting as status asthmaticus in a sixteen-year-old boy: airway considerations and removal with the CO 2 laser

Abstract

A 16-year-old with clinical features of atypical asthma is presented, with a description of the workup leading to the diagnosis of an intratracheal mass. The mass was visualized with a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope, then surgically removed through a rigid bronchoscope using a CO 2 laser. We believe this is the first report of resection using this technique. A discussion of tracheal neurilemmomas (schwannoma) is included. This case reinforces the age-old adage that “not all that wheezes is asthma.” Pediatr Pulmonol. 1998; 25:393–397. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/35314/1/7_ftp.pd