Diffuse Panbronchiolitis, the First Case Reports in Thailand

SOMCHAI CHANTAROTORN, M.D.*, ANAN V ATTANATHUM, M.D.*, APIRAK PALWATWICHAI, M.D., D.I.C. & M.Sc.*, DAMKIRNG TANTAMACHARIK, M.D.*

Affiliation : * Pulmonary Unit, Department of Medicine, Pramongkutklao Hospital and College of Medicine, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.

AbstractDiffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) is an important cause of progressive o~structive lung or chronic suppurative lung disease in the Far East (Japan, China and Korea). It is a distinctive sino- bronchial syndrome with typical radiological and histologic features. We have identified three patients who have typical clinical manifestation and pathological confirmation. DPB should be suspected in patients who have clinical manifestations of chronic cough, productive sputum and shortness of breath. The chest radiograph often shows diffuse nodular shadows on a background of hyperinflated lungs. High resolution computed tomographic (HRCT) can guide the diagnosis and differentiate from other diseases. Finally, the most important issue of DPB is the treatment. Chronic treatment with low-dose erythromycin can improve the survival of patients.

Keywords : Diffuse Panbronchiolitis, Bronchiectasis

All Articles Download

Information

Related Links