Successful Thoracic Duct Ligation for Plastic Bronchitis in an Adult

Abstract

Plastic bronchitis is a rare and potentially life-threatening disease characterized by the development of obstructive fibrinous tracheobronchial casts and hypoxic respiratory failure. With its poorly understood cause and rare occurrence in the adult population, few treatment strategies have been described in adults with this condition. In this report, we present a case of successful treatment of an adult with plastic bronchitis, using thoracic duct ligation and resulting in full resolution of airway cast development.