Suffocation due to thoracic deformity caused by acromegaly

Abstract

A 61-year-old man with gigantism and acromegaly choked and fell into a coma. Immediate tracheal intubation resulted in a return of his consciousness. Enhanced computed tomography indicated that the trachea and left main bronchus were compressed by the thoracic spine and sternum. He required tracheotomy and positive end-expiratory pressure to maintain his pulmonary function. This is the first case of suffocation due to a thoracic deformity associated with acromegaly. Physicians should focus on clearing the tracheal airway using computed tomography to elucidate the anatomical relationship between the trachea and surrounding structures in acromegalic patients suffering from dyspnea.