Williams-Campbell syndrome: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Williams-Campbell syndrome, also known as bronchomalacia, is a rare disorder characterized by a deficiency of cartilage in subsegmental bronchi, leading to distal airway collapse and bronchiectasis. There have been few reports about patients affected by saccular bronchiectasis, paracicatricial emphysema, and diminished cartilage. These are all characteristic of Williams-Campbell syndrome.

Case presentation: This report presents a 57-year-old woman with progressive dyspnea, cough, sputum production, and fever. The clinical and laboratory examination revealed that the patient had a respiratory infection due to bronchiectasis caused by Williams-Campbell syndrome, which was undiagnosed in the patient until then.

Conclusion: Although a rare syndrome, when patients' signs and symptoms include recurrent respiratory infections, bronchiectasis, productive cough, and dyspnea, Williams-Campbell syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis.

Keywords: Williams-Campbell syndrome; bronchietasis; bronchomalacia.

Figure 1

Posteroanterior and lateral chest radiographs demonstrating prominent lung markings and interstitial thickening, as well as volume loss, which is more evident in the left lower lobe and right upper lobe. Bronchiectases are more obvious in the lateral radiograph.

Figure 2

Sequential axial high-resolution computed tomography images of the upper, middle, and lower lung fields demonstrate multiple large and coalescent cystic bronchiectases, associated with volume loss. Some of the bronchiectases have air-fluid levels that are due to brochial secretions.