Tracheal Bronchus

A tracheal bronchus is an abnormal bronchus arising from the trachea above the carina and below the cricoid cartilage. It is more common on the right side. It communicates with the upper lobe.

Clinical features:

(1) asymptomatic with diagnosis incidental

(2) based on evaluation of a complication

Complications:

(1) recurrent lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI)/pneumonia

(2) cough

(3) hemoptysis

(4) atelectasis

It may need to be considered when providing anesthesia to a patient, since the endotracheal tube could obstruct the bronchus, causing atelectasis.