bronchiolitis obliterans
Rare inflammatory condition causing scarring and narrowing of the smallest airways in children.
Full Definition
Bronchiolitis obliterans is a rare but serious inflammatory lung disease characterized by scarring and narrowing of the bronchioles, the smallest airways in the lungs. In pediatric patients, this condition can result from various causes including post-infectious complications, aspiration injuries, connective tissue disorders, or following lung transplantation. The inflammatory process leads to fibroblastic proliferation within the bronchiolar lumen, causing progressive airway obstruction. Unlike bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP), this condition primarily affects the airways rather than the alveolar spaces and carries a more guarded prognosis.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from BOOP (bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia), which has different pathophysiology and prognosis.
In Context
- "High-resolution CT imaging revealed findings consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans following the child's recovery from adenoviral pneumonia." — Radiology report
- "The patient developed bronchiolitis obliterans as a complication of chronic graft-versus-host disease following bone marrow transplantation." — Specialist consultation note