Tracheobronchial stenosis as a rare extraintestinal manifestation of ulcerativecolitis: a case series with different therapeutic approaches - Report - MDSpire

Tracheobronchial stenosis as a rare extraintestinal manifestation of ulcerativecolitis: a case series with different therapeutic approaches

  • By

  • Zanini, Umberto

  • Franco, Giovanni

  • Mazzotta, Sofia Maria

  • geroli, luca

  • bono, francesca

  • paciocco, giuseppe

  • Faverio, Paola

  • Luppi, Fabrizio

  • marruchella, almerico

  • May 25, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Tracheobronchial Stenosis in Ulcerative Colitis

Overview

This report discusses tracheobronchial stenosis as a rare but significant extraintestinal complication of ulcerative colitis (UC), highlighting its diagnostic challenges and treatment variability. A case series of three patients illustrates the importance of early identification and multidisciplinary management.

Background

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can lead to various extraintestinal manifestations, affecting nearly half of patients. While pulmonary involvement has been considered rare, recent studies suggest a higher prevalence of airway abnormalities. Understanding these complications is crucial for timely intervention and management.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data presented in the article.

Key Findings

  • Tracheobronchial stenosis is an uncommon but significant complication of ulcerative colitis.
  • Histopathological findings consistently show chronic lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates and mucosal edema.
  • Airway symptoms may develop years after the initial UC diagnosis or following surgical intervention.
  • Management strategies vary, with some patients responding to corticosteroids while others require interventional bronchoscopy.
  • Early identification of tracheobronchial involvement is essential to prevent irreversible pulmonary damage.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for tracheobronchial stenosis in patients with ulcerative colitis, especially when respiratory symptoms arise. A multidisciplinary approach, including medical therapy and interventional bronchoscopy, is recommended for individualized patient care.

Conclusion

Tracheobronchial stenosis represents a critical extraintestinal manifestation of ulcerative colitis that necessitates prompt recognition and tailored management strategies to mitigate potential pulmonary complications.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis, 2021 -- Multiple Ileal and Colonic Stenoses: Is It Always Crohn’s Disease?
  2. Springer, 2021 -- Contemporary Approaches to Surgical Treatment in Crohn’s Disease: A Comprehensive Review
  3. The New Gastroenterologist, 2025 -- Progress in Endoscopic Treatments for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  4. mayo clinic — Fistulizing Crohn's disease
  5. Pulmonary Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Treatment Strategies
  6. Prevalence of bronchiectasis in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  7. The Spectrum of Airway Involvement in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  8. https://academic.oup.com/ecco-jcc/article/18/1/1/7205776
  9. Tracheobronchitis as an extraintestinal manifestation of ulcerative colitis - PMC
  10. Guideline on Management of Central Airway Obstruction Released by CHEST - American College of Chest Physicians
  11. The role of bronchoscopy in the multidisciplinary approach to benign tracheal stenosis - PMC
  12. Endoscopic Management of Subglottic Stenosis - PMC
  13. A rare case of bronchial stenosis in ulcerative colitis - PMC
  14. Published online: 14 November 2025
  15. Tracheobronchitis in ulcerative colitis: a case report of therapeutic response with infliximab and review of the literature | BMC Gastroenterology | Full Text

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