Follicular bronchiolitis in a child

Abstract

Follicular bronchiolitis (FB) is an uncommon but important pulmonary manifestation in children. In this report, we present the clinical presentations and histopathological data of an 8-year-old boy with FB. The patient had a history of recurrent cough and dyspnea for 5 years with progressive worsening of symptoms. An initial pulmonary function test showed an obstructive ventilatory defect. Chest X-ray demonstrated miliary nodules. High-resolution computed tomography showed reticulonodular opacification and central consolidation. Histopathological examination revealed that lymphoid follicles with reactive germinal centers distributed along the bronchioles. The boy responded favorably to corticosteroid therapy and recovered well. Diagnosis of FB should be considered when a child presents with chronic bronchial obstruction. Open lung biopsy is necessary for confirmation of the diagnosis.