Plastic Bronchitis of Multifactorial Origin in an Adult
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Abstract
Introduction: Plastic bronchitis is a rare disease, characterized mainly by the appearance of bronchial casts, which vary in size and location, and can partially or completely obstruct the bronchial lumen, producing symptoms such as cough, wheezing, and respiratory difficulty, as well as complications like respiratory failure. Its exact pathophysiology and origin are still unknown, but it is associated with complications from viral infections, surgeries, lymphatic flow alterations, among others. The diagnosis is made through direct visualization of the bronchial casts after spontaneous expectoration or during a bronchoscopy. There is no stipulated optimal treatment; the main goal is the removal of bronchial casts to alleviate the symptoms of bronchial obstruction.
Case information: We present a young woman who reported having had a severe upper respiratory infection due to SARS-CoV-2 two weeks ago, with mild but persistent respiratory symptoms, prior to undergoing plastic surgery. After the procedure, she developed pneumonia and respiratory failure, which required bronchoscopy, during which she was diagnosed with plastic bronchitis.
Conclusion: Plastic bronchitis is a rare respiratory disease, underdiagnosed in most cases, that can arise as a complication of multiple diseases and increases the morbidity and mortality of our patients.
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