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Guedes F, Branquinho MV, Sousa AC, Alvites RD, Bugalho A, Maurício AC. Central airway obstruction: is it time to move forward? BMC Pulm Med 2022; 22:68. [PMID: 35183132 PMCID: PMC8858525 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-022-01862-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Central airway obstruction (CAO) represents a pathological condition that can lead to airflow limitation of the trachea, main stem bronchi, bronchus intermedius or lobar bronchus.
Main body
It is a common clinical situation consensually considered under-diagnosed. Management of patients with CAO can be difficult and deciding on the best treatment approach represents a medical challenge. This work intends to review CAO classifications, causes, treatments and its therapeutic limitations, approaching benign and malign presentations. Three illustrative cases are further presented, supporting the clinical problem under review.
Conclusion
Management of CAO still remains a challenge. The available options are not always effective nor free from complications. A new generation of costume-tailored airway stents, associated with stem cell-based therapy, could be an option in specific clinical situations.
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