Successful treatment of plastic bronchitis with low fat diet and subsequent thoracic duct ligation in child with fontan physiology

Lymphology. 2012 Jun;45(2):47-52.

Abstract

Plastic bronchitis is a rare condition characterized by the formation and expectoration of long, branching bronchial casts that develop in the tracheobronchial tree and cause airway obstruction. Plastic bronchitis has become increasingly recognized as a feared complication of the Fontan operation with a mortality of up to 50%. We report an 11 year old boy who developed severe plastic bronchitis following Fontan repair and the successful long-term control of cast formation utilizing a low-fat diet and subsequent thoracic duct ligation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bronchitis / diet therapy*
  • Bronchitis / etiology
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Child
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Diet, Fat-Restricted*
  • Fontan Procedure / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Ligation
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Prognosis
  • Thoracic Duct / surgery*