Mucoid Impaction of the Bronchus

Mucoid impaction of the bronchus is a distinct clinical entity characterized by the presence of roentgenographically visible, mucus plugs in the segmental and subsegmental bronchi of one or more lobes of the lung. There are characteristic clinical and roentgenologic features of this disease that allow diagnosis in most cases. Failure to recognize these features has often resulted in a misdiagnosis of a pulmonary neoplasm or unresolved pneumonia. Recognition of the disease is essential since effective medical therapy is now available. Four cases of mucoid impaction of the bronchus illustrate these features.