Ishman Stacey, Book David T, Conley Stephen F, Kerschner Joseph E
Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, 9200 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee 53226, USA.
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2003 May;67(5):543-8. doi: 10.1016/s0165-5876(03)00004-1.
Plastic bronchitis is a rare disorder characterized by the formation of branching mucoid bronchial casts. Several pathophysiologic conditions are associated with development of these intrabronchial casts, including congenital heart defects. The management of plastic bronchitis presents an unusual and interesting bronchoscopic challenge. We describe a patient who underwent a Fontan procedure for correction of a congenital heart defect and subsequently developed respiratory distress secondary to plastic bronchitis on two occasions. In both cases, endoscopic intervention was required to remove these casts. A review of the literature, including the proposed etiologies, diagnosis, and current medical and surgical management, is also undertaken.
