What question did this study set out to answer?

To highlight the severity of plastic bronchitis as a rare complication in sickle cell disease and acute chest syndrome.

May 7, 2026Open Access

Sudden Death Caused by Plastic Bronchitis as a Complication of Acute Chest Syndrome in a Child with Sickle Cell Disease

MFMorgan FrancoCooper University Hospital JLJaime LauCooper University Hospital CHC HannaCooper University Hospital

Key Points

To highlight the severity of plastic bronchitis as a rare complication in sickle cell disease and acute chest syndrome.
Case report of a 5-year-old male with sickle cell disease and acute chest syndrome.
Patient developed respiratory distress and progressed to rapid cardiovascular decompensation.
Chest x-ray findings were noted during clinical assessment.
Patient experienced sudden worsening of respiratory distress.
Led to cardiovascular decompensation and death within hours.
Emphasizes the urgent need for awareness of plastic bronchitis in sickle cell disease.

Abstract

Abstract Plastic bronchitis is a rare and poorly described complication of sickle cell disease and acute chest syndrome. It is defined as the formation of casts made of various materials, which obstruct lung bronchi. This case describes a 5-year-old male with sickle cell disease (SCD), SS genotype, admitted for pain crisis and acute chest syndrome (ACS). He experienced an abrupt onset of worsening respiratory distress and chest x-ray findings. In a matter of hours, he progressed to cardiovascular decompensation and death secondary to diffuse lung infiltration and obstruction in the setting of plastic bronchitis. This case is unique in how rapidly the patient’s clinical status declined. It highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for plastic bronchitis, which is a rare but deadly complication of SCD and ACS.

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