Could Chinese herbs accelerate the resolution of reversible bronchiectasis in adults?: A case report

Rapid resolution of reversible bronchiectasis after Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in an adult: A case report

RATIONALE

Bronchiectasis results when inflammatory and infectious damage to the bronchial and bronchiolar walls leads to a vicious cycle of airway injury. On the basis of the classic characteristic, that is, permanent bronchial dilatation, bronchiectasis is generally considered irreversible in the adult population.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 21-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a 9-day history of productive cough and fever.

DIAGNOSIS

Bronchiectasis after Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with azithromycin for 7 days.

OUTCOMES

The bronchial dilatation resolved as evidenced by sequential chest high-resolution computed tomography 7 days and 1 month later, respectively.

LESSONS

Although complete disappearance is quite rare in adult, this case demonstrated that bronchial dilatation might resolve completely in such a fascinating short period of time if receiving adequate and timely regimens.