Mucoid Impaction of a Bronchus

Abstract

Common Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) Asthma, other allergic states Uncommon Bronchial adenoma Bronchial atresia Bronchogenic carcinoma Bronchogenic cyst Idiopathic mucoid impaction Diagnosis Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Comment The posteroanterior chest roentgenogram of a 19-year-old asthmatic woman shows a poorly defined homogenous density in the left infrahilar region and linear (toothpaste) shadows extending upward and laterally from the left superior hilar region (Fig 1). A bronchogram shows marked dilation of the central bronchi in both the upper and lower lobes, with a relatively normal appearance peripherally (Fig 2). The homogenous densities demonstrated on the chest roentgenogram conform to the areas of dilated central bronchi and are the result of plugging of these bronchi by retained mucus secretions. Mucoid impaction of a bronchus may result from a number of causes. The impaction is proximal and extends into second-, third-, and fourthorder bronchi, which are filled with