Mucosal Tuberculosis of the Bronchi and Trachea

¹ Oakland, California

In summary, mucosal tuberculosis of the bronchi and trachea is a complication of active pulmonary tuberculosis which often may have serious consequences. Hence, its recognition is of importance. Clinically tuberculosis tracheobronchitis may be suspected by the correlation of suggestive symptoms and roentgenographic findings. With few exceptions, bronchoscopy should be used as the final step in diagnosis and as a guide to therapy. To date, the writer has obtained his best results by the use of high frequency electro-cautery. Special electrodes have been designed to be used through the bronchoscope. Finally, lobectomy, pneumonectomy or external drainage of a tuberculous cavity occasionally must be considered in dealing with the secondary effects of high grade bronchial obstruction.