Plastic bronchitis associated with influenza virus infection in children: a report on 14 cases.

BACKGROUND

Plastic bronchitis (PB) is a rare disease characterized by formation of bronchial casts. It is usually associated with congenital heart disease, sickle cell disease, lymphoma, and lung diseases such as asthma and pneumonia.

OBJECTIVES

To report 14 cases of PB with influenza A or influenza B infection.

METHODS

We analyzed the clinical manifestations, bronchoscopic and histologic findings, clinical courses, and outcomes.

RESULTS

These cases indicate that PB is a life-threatening complication of severe influenza. Plastic bronchitis should be considered in the diagnosis of children with acute respiratory distress such as lung atelectasis accompanied by influenza.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis should be made by bronchial endoscopy and histopathology, and bronchial casts removed as early as possible.