Management of plastic bronchitis in a child with mild intermittent asthma. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2011 Nov;120(11):697-9
Date
01/10/2012Pubmed ID
22224309DOI
10.1177/000348941112001101Scopus ID
2-s2.0-81455138260 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 10 CitationsAbstract
OBJECTIVES: We describe the clinical presentation of a 7 1/2-year-old boy with a history of mild intermittent asthma who presented with left lung collapse and was found to have plastic bronchitis.
METHODS: We reviewed the patient chart and imaging results and performed a literature review of plastic bronchitis and its management.
RESULTS: Bronchoscopy in our patient demonstrated a large white, friable, cast-like material that obstructed the entire left main stem bronchus and could not be easily suctioned. The cast was removed in a piecemeal fashion by means of serial rigid bronchoscopy over a 6-month period with use of both optical forceps and flexible suction catheters. Microscopic examination of the cast-like material showed a predominance of eosinophils along with neutrophils encased in proteinaceous material.
CONCLUSIONS: Plastic bronchitis in children is a rare condition that can mimic foreign body aspiration and can be associated with underlying pulmonary inflammatory disorders or cardiovascular disease. Aggressive bronchoscopic management of the airway obstruction and medical management of the underlying disease process are important for the successful treatment of plastic bronchitis.
Author List
Pawar SS, Chun RH, Rao AR, Kerschner JEAuthors
Robert H. Chun MD Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of WisconsinJoseph E. Kerschner MD Provost, Executive Vice President, Dean, Professor in the School of Medicine Administration department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Sachin S. Pawar MD Chief, Associate Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AsthmaBronchitis
Bronchoscopy
Child
Diagnosis, Differential
Eosinophils
Foreign Bodies
Humans
Male
Neutrophils
Pulmonary Atelectasis
Radiography
Rare Diseases
Severity of Illness Index
Time Factors
Treatment Outcome
