Stenosis of main bronchi mimicking fixed upper airway obstruction in sarcoidosis

An unusual site and cause of disabling inspiratory and expiratory airflow limitation mimicking fixed upper airway obstruction is reported in two patients with sarcoidosis who had stenosis of almost the entire length of both main bronchi. The observed flows were consistent with a cross sectional airway diameter of 3 mm. The lumen of the trachea and proximal airways was not compromised.