Mounier-Kuhn syndrome in an older patient

Abstract

Respiratory problems in older adults are frequently labelled as being due to chronic obstructive airways disease (COAD). However where the presentation may be suggestive of another pathology due to the clinical history or type of pathogen isolated from the sputum, then consideration should be given to appropriate imaging. We describe a case of an older lady labelled for many years as COAD but who was a lifelong non-smoker and had Pseudomonas in her sputum. A CT of thorax for suspected bronchiectasis revealed tracheobroncomegaly (Mounier-Kuhn syndrome). This is the oldest case of Mounier-Kuhn syndrome at presentation and highlights the importance of appropriate history taking and investigation of older people. © The Author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Geriatrics Society.