OBJECTIVEBronchitis obliterans is a severe and extremely rare complication of respiratory tract infections in children and is characterized by massive atelectasis and collapse of the affected lung.

METHODThe clinical manifestations, characteristic imaging of two cases with bronchitis obliterans were summarized.

RESULTThese two cases complained of cough and episodes of wheezing with exercise. Chest auscultation revealed bronchial breath sounds on the right side. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan showed atelectasis of the right lung and dilated central airways. Mycoplasma complement fixation antibody (CF-Ab) titer was 1:320. The diagnosis of bronchitis obliterans was made according to the current diagnostic criteria. They were treated with low-dose erythromycin [5 mg/(kg × d)], ultrasonically nebulized Pulmicort inhalation, and regular bronchoscopic lavage. Follow-up of the two cases showed that case one had a partial lung re-expansion after six months, but case two had no significant improvement.

CONCLUSIONIn the process of diagnosis of atelectasis, bronchitis obliterans should be noticed. A conservative treatment is effective in certain cases, but pneumonectomy or lobectomy should only be considered as the last option.