Stent implantation in severe tracheal and bronchial compression caused by aortic aneurysm

: A space-occupying growth in the left upper area of the lung was confirmed in a female patient of 75 years of age suffering from progressive cough and intermittent dyspnoea. Fibre bronchoscopy revealed distal stenosis of the trachea, the total findings being interpreted as pointing to the existence of a mediastinal tumour. A few hours after bronchoscopy the patient suffered from respiratory insufficiency, and the patient was referred to us with continuously increasing positive airway pressure breathing, for further clarification. We performed as an emergency measure bilaterally an endobronchial stent implantation. After airway pressure breathing had returned to normal, and subsequent extubation, compression of a stent occurred followed by renewed compulsory breathing. Ventilation could be optimised by an additional implantation of a stent. Cause of the compression was later identified as a monstrous aneurysm of the thoracic and abdominal aorta. During further conservative treatment there was a progressive bronchopneumonia and renal insufficiency requiring dialysis. The patient died on the 8th day after stent implantation. Autopsy showed that the stents were properly in position.