Respiratory failure of Williams-Campbell syndrome is effectively treated by noninvasive positive pressure ventilation

Intern Med. 2011;50(16):1729-32. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.50.4971. Epub 2011 Aug 15.

Abstract

Williams-Campbell syndrome is a rare disease, characterized by a congenital deficiency of cartilage in the fourth to sixth order bronchi, leading to chronic respiratory failure with recurrent pulmonary infections. An effective and practical treatment has not yet been established. A 31-year-old man who was diagnosed as Williams-Campbell syndrome by inspiratory and expiratory computed tomography findings developed recurrent pulmonary infections and showed progressive deterioration of dyspnea. Domiciliary NPPV was administered, followed by a dramatic improvement of respiratory failure and a decrease in the episodes of pulmonary infections. NPPV may have an advantage in adults with Williams-Campbell syndrome who have severe respiratory failure and recurrent pulmonary infections.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bronchomalacia / diagnosis*
  • Bronchomalacia / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Positive-Pressure Respiration* / methods
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / diagnosis*
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / therapy*
  • Syndrome
  • Treatment Outcome