The radiology of cryptogenic obliterative bronchiolitis

The radiology of 13 patients with cryptogenic obliterative bronchiolitis is reviewed. The changes on the plain chest radiograph consist of diminished mid and lower zone vasculature with evidence of mild over-inflation. On bronchography pruning of the fifth and sixth generation bronchi is seen in the absence of features of other obstructive airways diseases. It is concluded that this uncommon and sometimes lethal disease should be considered in patients developing respiratory outflow obstruction in the absence of any other recognised cause.