TRACHEAL SCHWANNOMA PRESENTING AS STATUS-ASTHMATICUS IN A 16-YEAR-OLDBOY - AIRWAY CONSIDERATIONS AND REMOVAL WITH THE CO2-LASER

A 16-year-old with clinical features of atypical asthma is presented, with a description of the workup leading to the diagnosis of an intrat racheal mass. The mass was visualized with a flexible fiberoptic bronc hoscope, then surgically removed through a rigid bronchoscope using a CO2 laser. We believe this is the first report of resection using this technique. A discussion of tracheal neurilemmomas (schwannoma) is inc luded. This case reinforces the age-old adage that ''not all that whee zes is asthma.'' (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.