Williams–Campbell syndrome

Rare congenital airway disorder causing bronchiectasis

Williams–Campbell syndrome
Synonyms	Congenital cystic bronchiectasis
Pronounce
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Persistent cough, wheezing, impaired lung function
Complications	Recurrent lung infections, respiratory failure
Onset	Childhood, occasionally adulthood
Duration	Lifelong
Types
Causes	Congenital deficiency of bronchial cartilage
Risks	Respiratory infections, airway collapse
Diagnosis	Clinical features, CT scan, bronchoscopy
Differential diagnosis	Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, Cystic fibrosis, Bronchomalacia
Prevention	None known
Treatment	Supportive care, respiratory therapy, lung transplantation
Medication	Bronchodilators, corticosteroids (limited evidence)
Prognosis	Variable; dependent on severity and respiratory management
Frequency	Extremely rare
Deaths

Bronchoscopy demonstrating airway collapse

Williams–Campbell syndrome (WCS) is a rare congenital disorder affecting the airways, characterized by deficient or absent cartilage in the bronchi. This cartilage deficiency leads to progressive weakening, dilation (bronchiectasis), and eventual collapse of the airway walls (bronchomalacia). WCS typically affects the 4th to 6th order segmental bronchi, causing significant respiratory impairment. First described by Williams and Campbell in 1960, this condition represents one of the rare congenital cystic bronchiectasis syndromes.

Signs and symptoms

Williams–Campbell syndrome typically presents early in childhood, but can occasionally first appear in adulthood. Common clinical features include:

• Chronic cough with persistent mucus production
• Recurrent wheezing
• Frequent respiratory infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia
• Progressive impairment of lung function, often causing shortness of breath and exercise intolerance
• Respiratory distress and hypoxia in severe cases

Symptoms progressively worsen due to airway collapse and recurrent infections, potentially leading to respiratory failure if untreated.

Pathology

Williams–Campbell syndrome arises from defective cartilage formation within the bronchial walls, particularly affecting the distal segmental bronchi (4th–6th order). Normally, bronchial cartilage provides structural support, maintaining airway patency. In WCS, absent or diminished cartilaginous plates lead to bronchomalacia, resulting in dynamic airway collapse during exhalation. Over time, repeated airway collapse and chronic infections cause irreversible bronchial dilation (bronchiectasis).

The exact genetic or embryologic cause remains unknown, and most cases appear sporadically without a clear inheritance pattern.

Diagnosis

Williams–Campbell syndrome poses diagnostic challenges due to its rarity and nonspecific clinical presentation. The syndrome is often initially misdiagnosed as recurrent bronchitis, asthma, or, in severe cases, septic shock. A comprehensive diagnosis includes:

• Clinical history – Chronic respiratory symptoms beginning in childhood or early adulthood.
• High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) – Characteristic features include cystic bronchiectasis, airway dilation, and dynamic expiratory airway collapse.
• Bronchoscopy – Demonstrates bronchomalacia, marked airway collapse, and visible absence or reduction of bronchial cartilage.
• Lung biopsy – Definitive diagnosis through biopsy showing absence or deficiency of cartilage. However, biopsy is invasive and poses risks of complications, such as pneumothorax, bleeding, or infection, and may not always be diagnostic.

Given its safety, speed, and reliability, multi-slice spiral CT (CT bronchoscopy) is recommended as the primary diagnostic method.

Differential diagnosis

Williams–Campbell syndrome should be differentiated from other causes of bronchiectasis and airway collapse, including:

• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Acquired bronchiectasis (from chronic infections or immunodeficiency)
• Primary tracheobronchomalacia

Treatment and management

No curative therapy currently exists for Williams–Campbell syndrome. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, preventing infections, and supporting respiratory function.

Supportive therapies

Limited evidence supports specific therapies, but common management strategies include:

Bronchopulmonary hygiene measures to clear mucus and reduce infections

Chest physiotherapy and postural drainage

Inhaled bronchodilators (short-acting and long-acting beta-agonists) may relieve airway constriction

Mucolytic agents or hypertonic saline inhalations to thin mucus

Antibiotic therapy for recurrent infections

Oral corticosteroids and leukotriene receptor antagonists may be considered, although evidence for efficacy remains limited.

Lung transplantation

In severe cases with end-stage lung disease, lung transplantation may be the definitive treatment. Early transplant experiences demonstrated challenges:

A previous transplantation attempt resulted in complications from bronchomalacia affecting transplanted mainstem bronchi, with recurrent infections and fatal pneumonia within one year post-transplant.

However, more recent advances in surgical techniques and postoperative management resulted in successful long-term outcomes. In 2012, the first patient with WCS achieved prolonged survival, approaching ten years post-transplantation.

Prognosis

The prognosis of Williams–Campbell syndrome varies considerably based on disease severity, extent of airway involvement, frequency of infections, and access to comprehensive respiratory care. Mild cases with diligent respiratory management can have good long-term outcomes, while severe forms may progress to chronic respiratory failure, reduced quality of life, and potentially shortened life expectancy without lung transplantation.

== Epidemiology == Williams–Campbell syndrome is extremely rare, with fewer than 100 documented cases worldwide. It has no established pattern of familial inheritance and occurs sporadically. Both genders appear equally affected, and cases have been described globally.

History

Williams–Campbell syndrome was first described in 1960 by British physicians Howard E. Williams and Peter E. Campbell, who reported five pediatric cases demonstrating distinct cystic bronchiectasis associated with cartilage deficiency in distal bronchi. The syndrome remains poorly understood due to its rarity, and research into its etiology, genetics, and optimal management continues.

See also

• Bronchiectasis
• Bronchomalacia
• Congenital disorder
• Lung transplantation

External links

• Williams–Campbell syndrome at Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)]
• Williams–Campbell syndrome at Radiopaedia.org]

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