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Left tracheal diverticulum showing a central airway obstruction pattern on pulmonary function testing: a case report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Central airway obstruction patterns on the flow–volume curves of pulmonary function tests are commonly caused by upper respiratory tract disease and intratracheal tumors. Here, we describe a rare case in which the central airway obstruction patterns on the flow–volume curves were attributed to the slow progression of tracheal lumen narrowing caused by chronic inflammation in the surrounding area, rather than tracheal diverticulum enlargement. Case presentation: A 73-year-old woman diagnosed with a tracheal diverticulum was followed as an outpatient. Although her subjective symptoms did not worsen, her flow–volume curves in the pulmonary function test indicated a central airway obstruction pattern. Annual chest computed tomography imaging showed no significant changes; however, tracheal narrowing due to inflammation around the tracheal diverticulum was suspected. Surgical treatment, including laser therapy, was considered. We report a rare case of a tracheal diverticulum diagnosed >10 years ago that exhibited central airway obstruction patterns on flow–volume curves of pulmonary function tests. Conclusion: Pulmonary function tests and flow–volume curves are valuable in monitoring airway obstruction.

Source: BMC Pulmonary Medicine

DOI: 10.1186/s12890-026-04645-w