Radiographic appearance of follicular bronchitis in children

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to present the first radiographic description of a newly described disease in children, follicular bronchitis.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical history and radiographs of eight children with biopsy evidence of follicular bronchitis.

Results: All eight infants had findings on initial radiographs that were consistent with viral inflammatory disease. The clinical features of follicular bronchitis started by 6-8 weeks old and peaked between about 2 and 3 years old. After several months of the disease, the infants' radiographs showed a more obvious interstitial pattern. When these children were approximately 3 years old, the radiographic findings began to return to normal. Four children have been followed up for at least 8 years. By that age, the clinical symptoms of respiratory disease have disappeared. All four children tested after they were 8 years old had abnormal results of pulmonary function tests.

Conclusion: The combination of unique clinical features associated with the radiographic appearances we describe should allow radiologists to suggest the diagnosis of follicular bronchitis.