Clinical Report: Plastic Bronchitis Linked to Bordetella Pertussis Infection
Overview
This case study describes a 6-year-old boy with plastic bronchitis (PB) associated with Bordetella pertussis infection despite prior vaccination. The patient exhibited atypical symptoms and required bronchoscopy for diagnosis.
Background
Plastic bronchitis is a rare but serious condition characterized by the formation of airway casts that can obstruct breathing. It is particularly concerning in pediatric patients, where it can lead to significant respiratory complications. Understanding the potential infectious causes, including Bordetella pertussis, is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Data Highlights
No numerical data or trial data provided in the article.
Key Findings
The patient had a 4-day history of cough and fever without the classical whoop associated with pertussis.
Chest CT revealed right middle lobe atelectasis and bilateral pulmonary inflammation.
Flexible bronchoscopy identified obstructive mucopurulent airway casts consistent with PB.
BALF analysis detected Bordetella pertussis and Rhinovirus A as high-confidence pathogens.
Post-bronchoscopy, the patient's symptoms resolved completely, and imaging confirmed lung re-expansion.
This case represents the first documented association of PB with Bordetella pertussis in a vaccinated child.
Clinical Implications
This case highlights the importance of considering plastic bronchitis in pediatric patients with pneumonia and persistent atelectasis, even in the context of prior vaccination.
Conclusion
This case reports an association of plastic bronchitis with Bordetella pertussis infection in a vaccinated child with atypical clinical features.
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