[A case report of an adult with bronchial mould infection complicated by purulent pleurisy]

Abstract

Introduction: Bronchial mould infection or plastic bronchitis is a rare condition, encountered at any age, but with a predilection for childhood. The clinical diagnosis is made easy by the demonstration of solid, branched expectorations. However, the aetiology is not easy to determine and investigation does not often lead to a pathological diagnosis.

Case report: We report the case of a 24 year-old patient, with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis in January 2016, who had had chronic, persistent, solid and branched expectorations since January 2015. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy revealed thick white secretions plugging the bronchi. Pathological examination of the bronchial plugs showed fibrous tissue infiltrated with predominantly lymphoplasmocytic and histiocytic inflammatory cells. Investigations carried out on the pleura did not establish the aetiological diagnosis. The diagnosis of bronchial mould disease of tuberculous origin complicated by pleurisy was established. Corticosteroid therapy led to a complete regression of the moulds within six weeks.

Conclusion: The presence of solid and branched sputum should suggest fungal bronchitis and is an indication for bronchoscopy for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Early management is important to avoid complications.

Keywords: Anatomopathologie; Bronchial mould; Histopathology; Moule bronchique; Pulmonary tuberculosis; Tuberculose pulmonaire.