Plastic bronchitis as an unusual cause of mucus plugging in cystic fibrosis

Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009 Sep;44(9):939-40. doi: 10.1002/ppul.21063.

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis patients are known to produce abundant, purulent sputum consisting mainly of DNA and cellular debris. We present a case of a CF patient with recurrent airway obstruction caused by a rare condition known as plastic bronchitis (PB). PB is characterized by the formation of casts of the airways that cause obstruction. Multiple etiologies have been proposed, but to our knowledge, no CF patient has been reported in any PB classification. Histological analysis and in-vitro testing of the cast were important factors in choosing the adequate therapy in this patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcysteine / administration & dosage*
  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Bronchitis / drug therapy*
  • Bronchitis / etiology
  • Bronchitis / pathology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cystic Fibrosis / complications
  • Cystic Fibrosis / drug therapy*
  • Expectorants / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mucus
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / drug therapy*
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / etiology

Substances

  • Expectorants
  • Acetylcysteine