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.