Delayed recurrence of ulcerative colitis manifested by tracheobronchitis, bronchiolitis, and bronchiolectasis

Ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation of small and large airways, characterized by mucosal inflammation, tracheobronchial stenosis, bronchiestasis, and bronchiolitis. We present a case of tracheobronchitis and bronchiolitis associated with ulcerative colitis in a 58-year-old nonsmoking man, 17 years after the total colectomy and complete resolution of intestinal findings. Computed tomography demonstrated wall thickening of trachea and left main stem bronchus, and multiple bronchi around the both hilum with mild to moderate stenosis. Fiberoptic bronchial biopsy showed inflammation of the airways, similar to histologic findings of ulcerative colitis within colon.