[Bronchiolitis obliterans]

The article presents an integral approach of obliterative bronchiolitis (definition, etiopathogenesis, clinical aspects, investigations and therapy). It is a rare but severe disease. The most frequent etiology in children is the viral infection, mostly due to adenoviruses. The pathology recognizes multiple polyps that obstructs the bronchi's lumen, bronchi's fibrosis and circumferential scars. The onset of the disease is sudden and recognizes the clinical aspect of an acute infection of the distal respiratory tract with broncho-obstruction and wheezing. High resolution CT scan is very useful for the diagnosis. The diagnosis is confirmed by lung biopsy through thoracotomy. The clinical course of the disease may be prolonged (months, years) with periods of exacerbations, or rapid progression to death. The treatment is inefficient in most cases. The lung transplant represents the treatment of choice.