Rapid progression from croup to complete lung collapse: a case report of central airway obstruction by mucopurulent cast in influenza A (H3N2) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa coinfection in a toddler - Report - MDSpire

Rapid progression from croup to complete lung collapse: a case report of central airway obstruction by mucopurulent cast in influenza A (H3N2) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa coinfection in a toddler

  • By

  • Xiumin Zhang

  • Fujing Xie

  • Jingcai Wang

  • Jing Zhao

  • Cuicui Guo

  • June 2, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Acute Deterioration from Croup to Total Lung Collapse

Overview

This report describes a case of a 13-month-old boy who developed severe respiratory distress due to central airway obstruction from a mucopurulent cast, following co-infection with influenza A (H3N2) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Despite initial glucocorticoid therapy and mechanical ventilation, the patient required bronchoscopy for obstruction removal, leading to recovery.

Background

Croup is a prevalent cause of acute respiratory distress in children, often linked to viral infections. The co-occurrence of influenza A with bacterial infections like Pseudomonas aeruginosa can lead to severe complications, including airway obstruction and respiratory failure. Understanding these rare but critical cases is essential for timely diagnosis and intervention.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data available in the article.

Key Findings

  • A 13-month-old boy presented with croup and respiratory distress due to influenza A (H3N2) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa co-infection.
  • Initial treatment with glucocorticoids was ineffective, leading to respiratory failure.
  • Bronchoscopy revealed complete obstruction of the left main bronchus by a purulent mucus plug.
  • Post-obstruction removal, the patient's lung re-expanded, and he was treated with sensitive antibiotics and peramivir.
  • The patient was discharged on day 9 with no recurrence of symptoms.

Clinical Implications

This case highlights the importance of considering bacterial co-infection in pediatric patients with croup who exhibit rapid clinical deterioration. Prompt recognition and intervention, including bronchoscopy, may be necessary to prevent severe respiratory complications.

Conclusion

The case underscores the potential for severe airway obstruction in pediatric patients with viral infections complicated by bacterial co-infection, necessitating vigilant monitoring and timely intervention.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Infection — Pulmonary Mucormycosis as a Complication Post-SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Report
  2. Frontiers in Pediatrics — Case Report: Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in a preterm infant secondary to respiratory syncytial virus and bacterial co-infection
  3. Infection — Tension Pneumothorax as a Complication in a Patient with COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Case Study
  4. Frontiers in Pediatrics — Clinical characteristics and risk factors of necrotizing pneumonia secondary to severe pneumonia in children
  5. Acute management of croup in the emergency department | Canadian Paediatric Society
  6. Emergence of influenza A(H3N2) subclade K in northeast Ohio in autumn 2025 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology
  7. Frontiers | Plastic bronchitis: a narrative review of the classification methods and pathogenesis
  8. Acute management of croup in the emergency department | Canadian Paediatric Society
  9. Emergence of influenza A(H3N2) subclade K in northeast Ohio in autumn 2025 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology
  10. Frontiers | Plastic bronchitis: a narrative review of the classification methods and pathogenesis

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