Tracheobronchomegaly
Overview
Tracheobronchomegaly: Another name for Mounier-Kuhn syndrome (or close medical condition association). marked dilatation of the trachea and the mainstem bronchi that is frequently associated with respiratory infections. The aetiology of this syndrome remains unknown. Pathologically, atrophy and absence of elastic tissue, collagen and muscular elements result in dilatation of the cartilaginous skeleton and external protrusion of the intercartilaginous parts of the tracheal wall which induce diverticula.
Symptoms
The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Mounier-Kuhn syndrome includes the 12 symptoms listed below: Cough Inability to expectorate Congenital tracheal malformation Repeated infections Enlarged trachea Enlarged bronchi Frequent bronchitis Frequent bronchiolitis Frequent pneumonia Frequent emphysema Frequent bronchiectasis Frequent pulmonary fibrosis Note that Mounier-Kuhn syndrome symptoms usually refers to various symptoms known to a patient, but the phrase Mounier-Kuhn syndrome signs may refer to those signs only noticable by a doctor.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is radiological. The dilatation of the trachea and the main bronchi is visible on the chest radiograph. A diameter of more than 30 mm for the trachea on a posteroanterior radiograph and of 25 mm for main stem bronchi is required for the diagnosis. In addition, the trachea has a characteristically scalloped or corrugated outline, best appreciated in the lateral view. Tracheal changes are well shown on CT. Cystic or cylindrical bronchiectasis affecting particularly first- to fourth-order branches may also be present