An unusual case of persistent extrinsic bronchial compression.

ABSTRACT

Bronchomalacia is defined as diffuse or segmental bronchial weakness and easy compressibility. We present a rare case of a 67-year-old man with chronic cough as a consequence of focal bronchomalacia caused by persistent extrinsic compression of the left lower lobe bronchus by the descending aorta and the left lower lobe branch of the pulmonary artery. Focal bronchomalacia discovered during adulthood is most often acquired and can be attributed to extrinsic compression by abnormal blood vessels due to hypertension and lung transplantation or to bronchial disease processes. The natural history of bronchomalacia is typically progressive.