A Case of Diffuse Aspiration Bronchiolitis in a Dysphagic Infant

Choi, Ok Ja; Kim, Bong Seong; Park, Sung Hye; Hong, Soo Jong

Abstract

Diffuse aspiration bronchiolitis is defined as a clinical entity characterized by a chronic inflammation of bronchioles caused by recurrent aspiration of foreign particles. Clinical symptoms are bronchorrhea, bronchospasm, and dyspnea, and chest radiographs show the presence of regional or disseminated srnall nodular shadows and hyperlucency. Chest CT should help in detecting diffuse nodular shadows of bronchiolitis. Pathologic findings of diffuse aspiration bronchiolitis are characterized by localization of chronic mural inflammation with foreign body reaction in bronchioles. Recurrence of small amounts of aspiration might play an important role in the pathogenesis of diffuse aspiration bronchiolitis. We report a case of diffuse aspiration bronchiolitis in a 4-month- old female infant who had recurrent aspiration due to dysphagia and presented with recurrent fever, dyspnea and wheezing. She showed typical radiologic and histologic findings compatible to diffuse aspiration bronchiolitis. She was improved with treatment of nasogastric tube feeding. We emphasize the importance of recognizing this disease entity and differentiating it from pulmonary diseases associated with bronchospasm. (J Korean Pediatr Soc 2000;43:842-845)