Refractory lymphatic plastic bronchitis with chyloptysis successfully treated by thoracic duct ligation

Plastic bronchitis is a rare respiratory disorder characterised by the formation and expectoration of firm, branching bronchial casts. These casts resemble plastic in their appearance and consistency, hence the name. The condition is often associated with underlying conditions, such as congenital heart disease, lymphatic abnormalities or pulmonary diseases. In some cases, patients may also present with 'chyloptysis', the expectoration of chyle-containing sputum. This article describes the case of one of our patients with refractory plastic bronchitis who was eventually cured with thoracic duct ligation.