Abstract
Background: Lymphatic plastic bronchitis (PB) most commonly occurs in
children with congenital heart disease as a result of secondary
pulmonary lymphatic flow disorder (PLFD). However, PB caused by primary
PLFD is rare. We made a retrospective analysis of two children diagnosed
with PB due to primary PLFD, in order to contribute to further
understanding of these disorders. Results: Patient 1, an eight-year-old
boy, presented with chronic productive cough and expectorated
milky-white mucous plugs accompanied by intermitted wheezing for one
year. Patient 2, a nine-month-old girl, presented with episodes of acute
respiratory distress with expectoration of milky-white bronchial casts
for four months. There was no obvious evidence of infection in either
child. Bronchoscopy showed massive milky-white casts blocking the airway
in patient 2; no casts were observed in patient 1. Bilateral thickening
of bronchovascular bundles and interlobular septal, as well as multiple
patchy ground-glass opacities were seen on chest computed tomography
(CT) in both patients. Lymphangioscintigraphy demonstrated pulmonary
lymph reflux in both patients and slowed lymphatic drainage of the lower
limbs in patient 1. Primary PLFD was considered for both patients, and a
diagnosis of yellow nail syndrome was made in patient 1. Both patients
received lymphatic interventional treatment, but all experienced
recurrence following the procedure. Conclusions: Primary PLFD is a rare
but significant cause of PB in children. Chest CT findings have highly
suggestive significance for the diagnosis. The lymphatic interventional
procedure may be effective for short-term resolution of symptoms, but
prone to recurrence.