Rare tracheal chondroid hamartoma masquerading as asthma in a 14-year-old girl

Hassan F. Nadrous, Mark S. Allen, Mark E. Wylam

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Tracheal hamartomas are rare in all age groups and have not been previously described in adolescence. Objective: To report the first case of a tracheal chondroid hamartoma presenting as exercise intolerance and wheezing and previously misdiagnosed and treated as asthma. Methods: Symptoms, pulmonary function tests, chest x-ray examination, chest computed tomography, and histologic examination of the specimen were performed. Results: The pulmonary function tests obtained throughout several years revealed progressive decreases (approximately 30% of predicted) in peak expiratory flow and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (approximately 50% of predicted). The inspiratory and expiratory flow-volume curve suggested a fixed central airway obstruction. Both the chest x-ray examination and computed tomography revealed an intraluminal tracheal tumor that was surgically excised. Histologic examination revealed a chondroid hamartoma. Conclusions: Rare benign primary tracheal tumors, including chondroid hamartoma, can present in adolescence with asthma-like symptoms for years and should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially in the setting of appropriately abnormal spirometry or when asthma is very difficult to control.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)576-579
Number of pages4
JournalAnnals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Volume92
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2004

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

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