Asthma-Related Plastic Bronchitis: A Challenging Diagnosis

Abstract

Both adults and children could be affected by PB, but most described cases in the literature are children. Its prevalence of PB is unknown due to its non-specific signs and symptoms and difficult-to-diagnose nature. It could be a complication of some medical conditions, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, lymphatic abnormalities, infections, and congenital heart surgery (Fontan procedure).  PB was associated with the history of Fontan procedure in most patients; its association with asthma is rare. One recent study in the pediatric population with PB showed that 70.5% of the patients had a history of Fontan procedure, 26.5% had previous respiratory diseases and 3% had idiopathic PB; the prevalence of asthma-related PB was 17.6% in their study. Based on the previous studies, 28%-60% of cardiac-related PB and 6%-7% of non-cardiac-related PB died as a result of this condition; therefore, its prompt diagnosis and management are crucial.