Endoscopic successful management of tracheobronchomalacia with laser: apropos of a Mounier-Kuhn syndrome

Abstract

Mounier-Kuhn syndrome is a rare condition that combines tracheobronchomegaly (TBM) and severe tracheobronchomalacia. Symptoms can be severe with recurrent bronchopulmonary infections and cough-induced syncope. Therapeutic management is non-specific and limited to chest physiotherapy and antibiotics during infectious exacerbations. We report a case of Mounier-Kuhn syndrome that was successfully managed by treating the posterior collapse of the central airway with yttrium aluminum pevroskyte laser. Endoscopic aspects, respiratory symptoms, and lung function tests all improved and remained stable with a follow-up of 8 years. Laser, at low power settings, could be a new therapeutic option in selected cases of tracheobronchomalacia.