Plastic bronchitis secondary to thoracotomy in an adult: A case report

Respir Med Case Rep. 2024 Mar 10:48:102002. doi: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2024.102002. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

This study presents a rare case of plastic bronchitis (PB) in a 57-year-old adult post-lung lobectomy, a condition predominantly found in post-Fontan children. The patient exhibited progressive dyspnea and complete atelectasis on the surgical side, revealing a gray rubbery bronchial cast obstructing the right main bronchus. Treatment involved repeated bronchoscopies, glucocorticoids, acetylcysteine, physiotherapy, and a low-fat diet, leading to gradual improvement. No similar cases have been reported, highlighting PB's diagnostic challenge. This underscores the need to consider rare conditions like PB in post-lobectomy complications. Timely examinations and bronchoscopies are essential for accurate diagnosis, ensuring prompt treatment and improving patient outcomes.

Keywords: Adult; Case report; Plastic bronchitis; Thoracotomy; bronchoscopy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports